(This talk was based on Matthew 28.)

This is the last week of uni and you are now one step closer to the end. Assuming you pass your exams! But it’s only the end of the beginning of your life. Once you step out of uni, you will begin a new life with its own challenges and rewards. And you would hope that your time here at uni is preparing you for that life. You don’t want to start your career and look back thinking what was I doing for the 4 years at uni? Hopefully what you’re doing now is relevant for the next part of your life. Otherwise, why are you here right?

If your goal is to be a nutritionist, go study nutrition. That’s what will prepare you to one day become a nutritionist. How many of us here will go see a physio or doctor who hasn’t even been to uni or graduated from their course?

Here’s the question though. What about becoming a Christian? Is there a prerequisite requirement that prepares you to be a Christian? Anyone can call themselves a Christian, just like anyone can call themselves a doctor. But if you want to be a real doctor, if you want to be a real Christian, what do you have to do? What do you need? That’s what our passage today will tell you.

It’s the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is something everyone needs to take on board if they are serious about becoming a Christian. You don’t have to believe in 6x24 hours creation. You can support abortion rights and still be a Christian. You could have even voted yes to same-sex marriage. But if you don’t believe that Jesus Christ after his death, came back to life and was seen by multiple witnesses, that he continued afterward to talk to his disciples, eat with them, walk with them - if you don’t believe that then you’re not a Christian.

This really is the litmus test. Muslims believe Jesus was a real person. Jews believe Jesus was killed and buried. But the Bible wants us to go further. Our passage today wants to convince us that Jesus physically came back to life. It does that by giving us 6 reasons. 6 things to convince you of the authenticity of what you’re reading.

1. The first witnesses were women.

Matt. 28:1Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

It’s easy for us in 2020 to read this and miss how controversial this was. When this was first written, the fact that women were the first witnesses was an argument against the resurrection. Women had no legal basis to be witnesses of anything. Because women were first witnesses, it was said that the resurrection couldn’t have happened. So why would the Bible record women as first witnesses? How do you explain that?

2. The tomb was empty.

5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

To be fair, the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us Jesus rose from the dead. For the same reason we are not told what happened inside the tomb. The angel rolled the stone away not so that Jesus can come out, but that the women can go in. So they can see the tomb is empty. No one disputes the fact that the tomb was empty. They never did find Jesus’ body. How do you explain that?

3. Jesus said this would happen.

6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

All the times Jesus spoke seemingly in riddles now become clear. He was foreshadowing this one event.

4. Eyewitnesses saw Jesus.

8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

We not only have the empty tomb, we have people who claim to have seen Jesus. People who claim to be eyewitnesses to Jesus. How do you explain that?

One explanation for all of this is what we see the Jewish establishment did.

11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.

Fake news was around even before Donald Trump. But the point I think this shows is that any position you take requires you to have a certain amount of faith. Think about it. If you were a Roman citizen for example and you hear reports of some guy called Jesus who was crucified. No big deal, we crucify lots of people all the time. Then you hear there was some sort of incident where he was buried and apparently they can’t find the body. What do you make of it? How do you explain it?

There are rumors going around that he rose from the dead, which is obviously not true right. People don’t rise from the dead. There are also rumors that the disciples who were untrained peasants by the way, came and stole the body after all the guards fell asleep. There are also rumors that the Jewish leaders paid off the guards to try and cover up whatever happened. Which is more believable?

Can’t you see that even if you reject the resurrection, whatever explanation you are left with still requires a certain level of faith. It is not then entirely irrational to believe in what the Bible is suggesting. That Jesus really did rise from the dead.

5. The disciples were radicalized.

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.

The Jews crucified Jesus because he claimed to be God. That was how offensive it is to their culture. But see how the disciples are now worshipping Jesus. How do you explain that? How do you also explain the rise of Christianity which even in 2020, is not going away despite what the tv says.

6. The spread of the church.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So there you have it. 6 reasons the Bible suggests that the resurrection is true.

1. The first witnesses were women.

2. The tomb was empty.

3. Jesus said it would happen.

4. There were eyewitness accounts.

5. The disciples were radicalized.

6. The enduring spread of the church.

Matthew 26:57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

This was the night before Jesus was killed. He had just finished dinner with his disciples when he was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane. When the soldiers came, the disciples ran. They abandoned Jesus at his darkest hour. What’s worse is they all knew this was coming. If you read the whole gospel account, all the warning signs were there. Jesus was attacking the religious establishment and sooner or later they will come down on him. The question is not if, but when and how. That’s what this passage shows us.

Jesus was treated unfairly

Right from the beginning we are told that nothing about this is fair and right. First of all, they arrest him at night. Then they bring him to the high priest’s house.

58 And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.

Then they tried to steamroll the trial from indictment to verdict in just a few hours.

59 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death,

This is not how the system works. And we actually know from historical evidence that there was a formal legal system back then – Jewish and Roman. None of this is legal. But that’s the point. They just want to see Jesus dead.

Jesus is silent when he was accused.

At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.

Jesus is silent when accused. Why doesn’t Jesus defend himself? They twisted what he said in v.61. What he actually said was – you tear down the temple and I will raise it up again in three days. But Jesus doesn’t point that out. He remained silent. Should he have defended himself? Is this telling us that when we ourselves are accused that we should stay silent? I don’t think so.

I’m sure you guys watch enough tv to have seen or know enough about lawyers and their clients. Imagine you’re a lawyer and Jesus is your client. These guys are trying to pin a crime on Jesus. What would you advise Jesus to do? They bring 2 witnesses, let’s bring 3. Or deflect? Claim insanity like most murderers?

You might be surprised but actually the best thing Jesus can do at that point was to say nothing. This whole trial was a joke. We saw that already. The reason they went through all this trouble was to convince those who were still on the fence about Jesus and more importantly what will come next – the Romans. Only the Roman court and the Roman governor has the power to execute criminals. So, if they want Jesus killed, they’ll have to have something to bring to Rome.

So you have to kind of get the sense of what’s going on here. Caiaphas the high priest really needed something concrete he could use to pin on Jesus which will get him closer to the death penalty. This whole case rests upon whether or not he can bring a charge against Jesus. And that’s why all Jesus had to do was to say nothing. It’s obvious enough that Caiaphas was biased. Jesus doesn’t need to do anything and the case will come apart by morning. Jesus knows it. Caiaphas knows it. And now you and I know it. This is why Caiaphas reacted in verse 62.

62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”

His strategy isn’t working so far and so he switches tactics. A last ditch effort. He taunts Jesus. He tries to illicit a response from Jesus by invoking the presence of God. It’s sort of like saying don’t lie in front of God. Tell me did you eat the cookie or not. Well since you put it that way, I guess I’ll have to tell the truth. That’s not legal at all. If you were the lawyer this is where you stand and say objection. All Jesus had to do was say nothing. Don’t say anything and in 5 mins you’ll walk out of there. Jesus is silent when he was accused. But it worked. The next thing we see is that:

Jesus chooses condemnation when he could be free

64 Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He deserves death.”

Can you guys see what just happened? Jesus chooses condemnation when he could be free. He doesn’t just answer the question, Jesus says the exact words that will lead ultimately to his death. This is a reference to Daniel chapter 7 which describes this Son of Man figure who will ultimately rule the world. Jesus gives them the ammunition they need. Because the Romans don’t care if some Jewish guy broke the sabbath or claims to be God. They’ll just laugh. But a claim to rule the world? Now we’re talking.

This is exactly what Caiaphas needed. What further witnesses do we need? And they condemn him to die. Notice how they accuse him of uttering blasphemy v.65. And do you know why they are so sure that Jesus is blaspheming and can’t be telling the truth? Look at verse 67.

67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?”

They weren’t doing this just because they were cruel and wanted to hurt Jesus. That’s not entirely what’s going on here. What they’re doing is demonstrating that Jesus can’t be the Christ because look, he can’t even defend himself. The Messiah is this powerful figure that will fight and rule over his enemies. If you were one of the council members undecided about Jesus, sitting on the fence, what if Jesus really is the Messiah, then seeing Jesus treated the way he is will definitely convince you he is not the Messiah.

Jesus is silent when he was accused

Jesus chooses condemnation when he could be free

So here’s the question: what are we supposed to learn from this? What is this passage telling us? Answer: don’t blaspheme God. Be careful not to utter blasphemy.

And I know what you guys think: I’m not a blasphemer. What do you mean don’t blaspheme. I don’t do that. Right? But think about it. What this passage shows us is an absolutely radical picture of God that doesn’t square with the traditional Jewish understanding of God. Which is why it’s blasphemy. To the Jews back then, the Messiah is supposed to be the one who will come and save me from my enemies. Obviously that’s not going to be Jesus, who can’t even save himself.

Can you see? For the religious Jews, strength is power over our enemies. For Jesus, strength is power over ourselves and our sin. It’s a completely different picture of God. But unless you understand what Jesus was doing, you’ll just think it’s blasphemy because it doesn’t line up with what you think God is like. And there will always be this clash between the God we see in Jesus and the God that we picture in our own minds.

For example: why is there suffering in our lives? Hiding behind that question is the assumption that suffering is not the norm and shouldn’t be the norm. We don’t ask why is there good in our lives? We just accept it. But when suffering comes all of us go why God!? What’s going on? It’s this clash between what we wish God is like and what Jesus shows us God is really like. And when things don’t line up according to what we expect, the chief priest calls it blasphemy. We might call it something else, but it’s the same thing. We blaspheme God.

Can you guys see that in Jesus we get a picture of what God is like. Jesus shows us that God works His plan not out of suffering, but through suffering. What does that say about your expectations for your health? Jesus shows us that God gives grace to the humble and opposes the proud. What does that say about the way you treat the people around you? Jesus shows us that one day God will return and rule the world. What does that say about your career ambitions?

What do you guys see when you look at Jesus? Let’s pray.

(public meeting 16th Sep 2020)

Mathew 25:14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.

19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

How many of you here ever imagined winning x factor or the voice? But maybe for you having to perform in front of judges and cameras and thousands of people would be as close to hell as you can get. But you all know what I’m talking about right - talent shows.

It’s the idea of putting people center stage in front of witnesses. You’ve got to then justify why you’re there and be judged based on your performance. If you can prove that you’re good then you can stay. If you’re not, then out you go. Are we still talking about x factor?

If you believe in God and believe there’s a heaven and there’s a judgement before that, then how is Christianity different? Is life on earth just one big stage and you better give the performance of your lifetime. Die, be judged, and hope you get through? Is that what you think?

Our passage today honestly sounds like it. And I want to show you life really is one big talent show. Not a talent show, one talent show.

What we have belongs to God

This first point is easy to see. Jesus was talking about the kingdom of heaven. That’s what “it” refers to in v.14.

14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.

In this analogy, God is the man and we are his servants. God has entrusted to us His property. He gives different people different amounts. It’s not equal, because it’s fair. You would think that is not logical, but look at v.15, to each according to his ability. In our society we tend to lump those two together. Our world says that to have a just and fair society, we have to treat everyone equally. Everyone should have the same rights. You cannot have a fair society without equality.

The problem of course is how do you define equality? Equal in what way? If I compare myself to Bill Gates, of course I want equality. I want what he has. But if I compare myself to an orphan child in the slums of India, where is the equality going to come from? In order to be fair, should everything just be evened and averaged out? I’m not suggesting an answer to this by the way. What I think we can learn from this passage is that God is fair even when things seem unequal.

Notice it doesn’t say that what we have comes from God, which is true. It’s more than that. It’s that God entrusted them to us. It doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to God. In v.18, the servant hides his master’s money. God gives him the freedom to decide what to do with it but it’s still belongs to God. And this small distinction will make a world of difference.

I’ll just give you one example. The money that’s in your bank account or your wallet. If I asked you whose money is that you’ll all say God’s. So let me ask you an even harder question: how much of God’s money are you keeping for yourself? What am I talking about? Tithing. How much should Christians give, is it 10% or something else? When’s the last time you heard someone ask the same question this way, how much of God’s money are you keeping for yourself? 90%? See the difference? Sure, people will say it’s God’s money, but our heart’s attitude is still one that says I’m giving my money to God.

We can talk a lot more about this during question time if anyone wants. But secondly, what we do matters to God. What we have belongs to God. What we do matters to God.

What we do matters to God

19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Notice the master calls his servants faithful. You have been faithful over little. He doesn’t say you have been successful, or smart, or shrewd. It’s faithful. Why? Think about it. We use the term faithful mostly in the context of a relationship. Husband/wife faithful to each other. A person by themselves cannot be faithful. They don’t have to be. It just doesn’t work.

So when the master says to the first two servants, you have been faithful, he means you have been faithful to me. Because what we have belongs to God you see. If it didn’t, then why is the third servant wrong to hide the money? Look at verse 24.

24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.

What’s the opposite of faithfulness? Laziness. Look at how the master describes the third servant. You wicked and slothful servant. The NIV is even clearer it says lazy servant. I would have thought the opposite of laziness is hardworking and the opposite of faithful is faithless or dishonest. Why is it faithful and lazy?

Answer? Everything that we do, every work so to speak, is a form of worship. Why? Because what we have belongs to God. And so what we do matters to God. From the small things to the big things, your studies, your friendships, your daily habits, your fitness, your timetable, everything is worship. Everything matters to God. And so, to be lazy is to refuse to worship God, to be faithless.

Most people actually already understand this. Imagine if you have leukemia or some terminal illness and somehow at the point when you needed it most, a little girl is killed in a car accident and they can transplant her organs into you. You get given a gift of life. You’ve been saved! Tell me you wouldn’t approach life differently? No matter what you do, you will always live under the shadow of what someone else has sacrificed for you. Will you smoke? Will you smoke in front of the girl’s parents? You see, everything you do, from the trivial to the important, somehow reflects whether you are grateful or ungrateful, whether you’re faithless or faithful.

What we do matters to God. Everything is worship. The difference between the first two servants and the third is not ability. It’s faith. The first servants put the talents to work, the third put it away. Which is why v.29 says,

29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

It doesn’t say everyone who has been successful. It says to everyone who has. They have it, they held on to it, they didn’t hide it or put it away. That’s the difference.

Now then we come to the big question right. What is the talent? Is it my guitar skills? The answer is simple. It’s what God has given us. So what has God given us? Guitar skills for some yes. Artistic ability, yes. Yes to everything. But the most important thing God has given us is Jesus. God has given us His life.

I think, the talent is the life of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t diminish talents as we would ordinarily understand it. It elevates it. It makes it more important what you do with your guitar skills. Because look at what’s at stake.

29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

I’ll close with a story for you. So there’s the story of this old violinist. He is the epitome of a violinist. A true master, no one even comes close. And he’s announced he’s retiring with one last performance. Of course it’s sold out instantly and stadium is packed and he plays and plays and it’s just heavenly. When it’s all over, a young man walks up to him and says that was unbelievable. I would give my life to play like you. The old master has a smile on his face that says aw that’s cute, but then looks into the young man’s eyes and says, I have given my life to play like me.

What a burn. The young man aspired to greatness but doesn’t understand the cost. Here’s my question though, is it a guarantee that if I give my life, I can reach the top? There are just as many people who’ve given their lives to the career or their craft or talent and never find greatness. It just fizzles out. You can give your life but success is never guaranteed.

The difference that Christianity brings is Jesus giving His life to guarantee our success. Now give your life away. Not in the pursuit of success, but keeping faith with what God has already done.

What we have belongs to God. What we do matters to God. I hope that’s helpful for you and has given you some new things to think about.

What does this mean for us? Consider this...

1. What has God entrusted to you? What are you responsible for? It’s not nothing. Think of 3.

2. Are there any situations where you feel tempted to hide the fact that you’re a Christian? Hiding your talent so to speak?

Matthew 24:25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since free there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

We come to a parable that’s deceptively simple. It compares heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Don’t forget this is a parable. It is a metaphor, not meant to be strictly literal. So it’s not like one guy marrying 10 virgins. The Bible is clear in a lot of places that Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is His bride. Which just means the 10 virgins represent Christians. That’s all the context we really need honestly because the message is really clear – be prepared. Don’t be like those who didn’t have oil in their lamps. Make sure you are ready for when the time comes. Be prepared.

And the parable gives us 2 reasons why.

Firstly, be prepared because some things can’t be borrowed.

5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’

Just like the virgins didn’t know when the bridegroom would arrive, no one knows when heaven will be revealed. Nobody buys a plane ticket and gets on knowing and expecting to crash. I don’t think anyone went on a cruise hoping to get sick and die. We don’t know when we will die or if there will be a mass extinction event. All we know is that it’ll come like the bridegroom in the parable, at a time we don’t expect. Notice that they all slept. No one was awake. They were all sleeping when he came. We are all alive until we’re not.

So he comes and half of them have oil in their lamps and are ready to go in with him. The other half have no oil and so they tried to borrow some but couldn’t. What this shows us is that somethings can’t be borrowed. You can borrow money, borrow a house or a car. But when it comes to heaven, we have to have our own. You can’t get into heaven on someone else’s merit.

You all already believe this. We don’t think it’s fair for us to be punished because of someone else’s mistakes. If Hitler had children or grandchildren, do you think it’s fair to lock them up because of what their great grandfather did? If you think it’s not fair for God to send you to hell because your parents were evil, why do you think God should let you into heaven because your parents were Christian?

Do you see what the parable is teaching us? Somethings can’t be borrowed. Just because your family is Christian, all of your friends are Christian, you vote for the Christian party, doesn’t mean you yourself are a Christian. Jesus demands our individual allegiance. Christianity is not like Netflix. It doesn’t have a family pack membership. We have to get our own.

Secondly, be prepared because sometimes it’s just too late.

10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Sometimes it’s just too late. By the time they went to the market, wait for the shops to open (remember this was at midnight), buy the oil they needed, and returned it was too late. The time to prepare their oil lamps was before the bridegroom came. The time to commit yourself to God is before heaven comes.

This is nothing complicated. On the morning of your exam is not the time to start studying. Don’t wait till semester’s over before you commit yourself to youth group or CU. Don’t wait till you have kids before you start attending a church. Because sometimes it’s just too late.

But, is it fair? Why can’t the bridegroom just open the door? Why does it have to be whether you have oil or not that is the deciding factor? Why can’t you be a good person and still go to heaven? Why do Christians insist that Heaven is only for Christians?

Look closely at v.11 onwards.

11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

The bridegroom doesn’t say, you’re late the party’s over. He says to them, who are you? He doesn’t know them, despite their calling him Lord. Despite them standing among the other virgins at the start. If you were to look at the 10 virgins, they would all look the same on the outside. They were dressed like one of the bridal party. Matching dresses with the other bridesmaids. And they each carried a lamp. Except you wouldn’t know that some of them contained no oil. After all, the wedding is during the day, why do I need to bring a torch? This is just for show right? I’m here, aren’t I? I’m a good person, no?

Can you guys see? It’s not that they were late. It’s not they didn’t make preparations. It’s that they weren’t prepared to wait. Don’t get me wrong, they were prepared enough to look like one of the other virgins and have your photo taken with your lamp, but no oil. Jesus is challenging us: how long are you prepared to wait for me? Or another way to ask it is: what do you have inside your lamp? Is it enough oil? Or something else? Or nothing?

How long are you prepared to wait? And this might surprise you, but the longer you are a Christian, the harder it is to wait. Because while you are waiting, everyone else is having a good time. There are a 1001 other things you could be doing instead of being here. Lots of other things you can spend your money on or give your life to. Do you not think that the devil will come to you when you’re 40 and single, and all your friends are married and have family, and whisper to you saying see, you should have gone out with him/her. If you didn’t choose to wait, this could be yours.

It could be a career, a partner, money, anything and everything except waiting for Jesus. And so this parable is challenging us: How prepared are you? You will have to decide for yourself how long you will wait for Jesus. Because somethings can’t be borrowed. Only you can decide how long you remain a Christian. And you have to make that decision each and every day. You can’t wait for next week or next year or when you’re 30. Let me take a gap year and go travel while I’m young. No. Because sometimes it’ll just be too late.

So what does it look like practically? Let’s say you decide ok, I want to do what this passage is telling me to do. Be wise, make sure I have oil in my lamp. But do I put petrol or diesel? What kind of oil? And here’s where I can’t help you. Everyone’s life is different, our circumstances are different. So what I’ve done is I’ve tried to think of some questions we can ask ourselves, to help you figure it out for yourself.

1. If you received a diagnosis this afternoon giving you just 6 months to live, what would you change about your life?

2. If someone were to pay you a million dollars a year to be in any job you want, what job would that be?

3. Is death the end of your life or the beginning?

May God prepare us for His return!

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28

But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

We come to another parable which Jesus uses to compare to the kingdom of heaven. Look at how he starts in verse 23,

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.

Isn’t it interesting how the servants are in debt to the king? We tend to assume it’s the other way around, that God owes us. If we live a good life, God owes us what we deserve. If life takes a wrong turn, God owes us an explanation. But Jesus says the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. It is us who owe everything to God. Look how it continues.

24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

What you have to know is that ten thousand talents is an impossible amount. It’s actually impossible to accumulate so much debt. It’s like saying you owe me a trillion dollars. Even if you wanted to, you can’t rack up so much debt. Which is what makes the king’s compassion so amazing. It’s not just that the king is willing to forgive the debt. Look closely at verse 26, "The servant fell on his knees, imploring or begging the king, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’" But surely ten thousand talents is an impossible amount! No amount of patience will be enough. It’s like me writing a cheque for my parents for childcare costs. What’s the number you going to put down?

It’s such a ridiculous thing to say, that the servant claims he can pay it back. It’s almost like he feels he ought to have the chance. What this shows us is that God doesn’t just forgive the debts of those who deserve it. He forgives the debt of those who think they are entitled to it. If it were me, I want to say to the servant I’d like to see you try! You must think I’m a fool. But God doesn’t say that. That is the great compassion of our God.

At this point you can’t help but be happy for this servant right. He just went from having his entire family sold into slavery to being completely debt free. Maybe I should think about a career in negotiations. Maybe open a small business. Obviously I’m good at it if I can negotiate myself out of a crushing debt. Look what happens.

28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.

Are you guys surprised? On one hand, we should be outraged that this servant would be so unforgiving especially after he himself has been forgiven by the king. But on the other hand, his behaviour is entirely consistent with his worldview. It’s not surprising at all. What do I mean?

When the servant said to the king, "have patience with me, I will pay you everything", He doesn’t dispute the fact that he is in debt. He doesn’t say I don’t owe you nothing. He also doesn’t dodge or avoid his responsibility. He doesn’t say yes but what about Hitler? He says I just need more time, I will pay you everything. Even when faced with an impossible amount, he can’t think of anything else to say except I’ll pay you whatever it takes. His is a worldview that operates on a simple principle - pay what you owe. He can't fathom a world where that's not the only option.

And it is this same worldview that demands others pay their debts. Because what else is there? Why is it that most Australians think that if someone gets into heaven, it’s because they have done good? That somewhere up there is a calculator adding up all the good that we do and all the bad. Then there’s a scale and if good outweigh the bad, we’re safe. Isn’t that how most people in Australia think about God and heaven? If that’s how we relate to God, it’s no surprise that we also relate to other people the same way. We’re just changing what you add up. The formula’s the same.

If someone is nice to us, we’ll be nice to them back. If someone doesn’t carry their weight in a group assignment, they shouldn’t get the same marks as me. She’s such an b**** to me, why should I go out of my way to be nice to her? I don’t owe him anything. What's going on when we think or act like that? We’re doing exactly what this servant is doing – pay what you owe. The currency might be different, but the principle is the same.

This same attitude is in all of us. But look what happens.

31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Jesus says we must be as willing to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Be as willing to forgive others as God has forgiven you. We are supposed to forgive people who sin against us, not once, not twice, but 77 times. Which is to say never ending.

How is that possible? And more than that, how is that reasonable? Now you don’t have to be a Christian to know that forgiveness is something we should aspire to. 2 kids fighting, any good parent will teach them to apologize and forgive. Christians don’t have the copyright on forgiveness. But what Jesus teaches here goes beyond what we would normally understand of forgiveness. It is a different kind of forgiveness. A forgiveness that is unconditional and limitless. Hence, this parable.

Think about it. When someone steals money from us, to forgive them is to accept the loss. Bear the cost yourself. You can’t say I forgive you, pay me back everything. Or pay me back everything and I’ll forgive you. That’s not really forgiveness. Or when someone cheats in a relationship, to forgive them is to bear the pain yourself. You can’t go and cheat on them – ha! Now you know how I feel, I forgive you now. That’s not forgiveness. No matter you do, to forgive someone is to carry by yourself the weight of the debt.

But if that’s what forgiveness means, then for Jesus to say do it again and again and again will just absolutely crush us. No. Jesus is showing us a different kind of forgiveness. And the parable shows us something that is very counter intuitive and counter cultural.

The point is this: It is better to owe an incalculable debt to a compassionate king than it is to owe a tiny amount to a calculating miser. It is better to owe a huge amount to a good king than a small amount to an evil one. You agree with me too. I would rather owe a million dollars to my mum who loves me more than money, than 10 dollars to cash convertors or my credit card. Wouldn’t you?

So why would you put the debts you have and the things you owe or are owed, onto your credit card, when you can hand it all to God? Put it on his account. It’s better to be in debt to God than to others. And the best part is, there’s no limit what you can hand over to God. That’s the difference that Jesus brings.

So for example. Say you got a new job and you were supposed to be paid 1000. And at the end, you only get paid 200. By right, you are owed 800 dollars. What do you do? Forgive. How? Tell yourself to move on, consider yourself unlucky. Don’t let me see you again. Is that forgiveness? Forgiveness is reminding yourself that the 1000 dollars isn’t really yours to begin with. It belongs to God so when you are missing that 800 dollars, take it to God. Present your case to God. Don’t immediately rush to call your lawyer or go to the police. And when you take it to God, you’ll very quickly realise what’s 800 dollars to God?

Or for example, someone you thought was a good friend, turns out was badmouthing you when you weren’t around. It happens in the workplace all the time because how do I make myself look good? By making others look bad. What do you do? Forgive. How? Start paying close attention to them. Watch how you act in front of them. Don’t show any weakness. Start sending emails, make sure things are in writing. Defend your name. Oh but don’t be angry with them. Forgive them. Is that forgiveness? Forgiveness is reminding yourself that you and I are just fellow servants. It doesn’t matter what people think. It matters what God thinks. What God sees when he looks at you is more important than what people see when they look at you. Do you think God is worried about your reputation? Does he stay up at night thinking how to control the narrative?

Jesus says that we must be as willing to forgive others as God has forgiven us. We don’t have to bear the cost ourselves. Jesus did that for us. And to the degree we realise that and put our faith in that, then we’ll be able to forgive others as God has forgiven us.

Matthew 13:24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” (v.31-35...)

36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

(transcript for public meeting 19/8/20)

This is one of the few parables that come with an explanation. In it Jesus teaches us something about heaven and earth that is not just profound, but highly counter-intuitive. Expect to have your assumptions challenged!

This is how the parable starts at verse 24,

24 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also.

In verse 37 Jesus explains that the man is Jesus Himself, who is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. So it’s supposed to be a picture of heaven on earth except we find that weeds have been sown and are now growing up among the wheat. Jesus tells us the weeds are the sons of the evil one and the enemy who sowed them is the devil.

Before we go further, notice that Jesus makes it absolutely clear here that there is such a thing as good and evil. There is the man who sows good seed and there is the devil who sows weeds. This is why evil exists in this world. Why we have the Holocaust, why we have paedophilia, and why we have corporate raiders. It doesn’t matter if it wears a military uniform or a suit and tie, they are still weeds and weeds are the sons of the evil one as Jesus says in verse 38.

None of this is thought provoking or controversial. No one here would argue with me that child abuse is wrong.

What is surprising is in verse 27.

27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

Anyone who has any experience in gardening will know, the key factor in controlling weeds is to get them when they’re young. Before their roots are established. And so the servants naturally asked if they should go and gather the weeds. ButJesus says in verse 30 to let both grow together until the harvest.

Do you see what Jesus is saying? It’s not just that good and evil co-exist in this world. Jesus says that good and evil must be allowed to co-exist on earth. You ever wonder if God is all-powerful, why doesn’t He put an end to evil? The answer is here. Jesus says good and evil must be allowed to co-exist on earth. It is only at the end of the age where God will step in so to speak. Look at verse 39.

The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace.

Think about it. Jesus acknowledges the presence of evil. And Jesus allows evil to grow. It’s mind-boggling to me. We have to ask why. And he tells us right, in verse 29.

29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them.

It is to protect the good that evil must be allowed to exist. Does this surprise you? It’s why this series of talks is called heaven – life’s final surprise. This parable is teaching us something about heaven. That’s what Jesus says at the start, the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed.

But what kind of heaven allows evil to exist? The answer is in verse 43.

43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

What does that mean? This is the counter intuitive part. Compare heaven to hell so to speak in verse 42. What’s hell like? Hell is a fiery furnace, in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Ok hell sucks. What’s heaven like? It’s bright? No. It's this. Where Hell’s essence is the fire, Heaven’s essence is the righteous. What makes hell is suffering. But what makes heaven is not the absence of suffering, or some other ethereal beauty or peace or all manner of furry cuddles. It’s the righteous.

It’s so important for this parable that we get this. This means that heaven is not so much a place we go to when we die. Heaven is not a place per say. What’s the essence of heaven? You. The righteous. Do you get it? We always think of heaven as this place where we hopefully go to when we die. While earth is just the boarding lounge. After all, what’s the goal of all religions? To get from this earth to heaven when we die. Isn’t that why you’re a Christian? So that you can go to heaven when you die? Is it?

Don’t think like that. Can you see the implications of what Jesus is saying? Heaven is not the final resting place for good people. It’s not the reward for people who have done good in life. Heaven is the glory of the righteous.

Let me put it this way. What separates the day from the night? The sun in the sky. The sun doesn’t wait for day to start before it rises. Imagine if the sun decides to wait for daytime to arrive before he gets up. He’ll be like come on man, I’m late for work. I’m supposed to be up shining by now. Where are you daytime? No. The sun is what makes the day. The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

This is why good and evil must be allowed to co-exist on earth. Because it’s only when the good seeds grow and at harvest time become the righteous, then they will shine like the sun in heaven.

So what does this mean for us? We are the seed sown by Jesus. We’re not the servants and we’re definitely not the reapers. Look at the emphasis.

So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers

It is not our job to separate the weeds from the wheat. Where are we in the passage? We’re the seed that in verse 43 will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father. Not just kingdom of God or heaven. But of their father. Become a Christian not because you want to go to heaven. Become a Christian because you know God has adopted you into his family.

Imagine Bill Gates decides to adopt a child and so he goes to an orphanage and instead of a tiny baby that's still in its cute and innocent infancy, he finds an older child who has a horrendous track record so to speak and whom was the last person you'd expect to be picked. Bill gates comes along and says I can see you’re a lot of work and adopting you will cost me more than you can imagine. But believe it or not I love you. I will keep loving you. I’m going to adopt you to become my son. Come away from this lousy orphanage and come live in my mansion.

Imagine the child says, not until you prove to me that you really love me. Until I am absolutely convinced not just that you are sincere, and you give me all the answers to every question I haven't even thought of yet. Perhaps only then I’ll consider letting you adopt me. That’s ridiculous! But that’s exactly what we do when we pull back from God in the face of questions like why evil, why suffering, why don’t you pull out the weeds now?

And Jesus says no. Good and evil must be allowed to coexist on earth until the good seed has grown into righteousness. At great cost to himself, God has adopted us into his kingdom, he has made us his good seed so that we can become part of his family.

He who has ears, let him hear.

Matthew 8:5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

What comes to mind when you hear the word shark? No one here has much of a reaction. But if you’re at the beach and you hear shark – fear. Or at the aquarium and you hear shark – fascination. Words do more than convey meaning. It doesn’t just pass on information. It has the power to reach into our inner being and either fill us with joy or strip us of strength.

And here’s the interesting thing. Two people can hear the exact same words but have completely opposite reactions. Imagine a scenario where a surgeon comes into the waiting room and says to two families, it worked, it’s done. One family is relieved and the other is devastated because it was a transplant, and the successful surgery means the donor has died.

We understand that words have power but we often underestimate just how powerful. As much as we want to think that we’re strong, the reality is a word can be enough to lift us up or crush us. No one here is immune.

I want to show you from our passage today, why being a Christian has more to do with the words that are spoken to us than the actions we perform for God.

Heaven will be filled with people who don’t belong but believe

Let’s pick it up from verse 5. 5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”

A centurion is an officer in the roman army. Picture a typical stiff and angry looking man who smiles at nothing. You have to know that by this time, Jesus was already very popular and great crowds were following him. There was no Netflix back then and so what do you do for fun? There’s this rabbi going around performing miracles, of course you’ll be there. And so all of you follow him into this little town called Capernaum. And before you know it, you see roman soldiers following a centurion and they are marching towards you.

None of us here have lived through a time of war. The only soldiers we ever see marching through Perth are old and wrinkled veterans at Anzac day. One of you can probably take 5 of them on. But ask any refugee, the sight of soldiers carrying weapons coming towards you can be enough to trigger your ptsd.

That’s the kind of climate Israel was living under. There’s constant reminders everywhere that they have been conquered by Rome and are ruled by Romans. So when you see soldiers marching towards your group with a centurion leading them, you must think no good will come of this. I told you we should have just gone to the footy instead.

So imagine everyone’s surprise when the centurion comes forward and calls Jesus, Lord. A title of respect and reverence. Romans don’t call Jews lords. Romans lord it over Jews. And then he says, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

Stop here and look at this closely. The centurion hasn’t even asked Jesus to do anything. All he said was my servant is suffering at home. Ok, should we send a card or get him some facemasks? Before he even asks, Jesus says I’ll come and heal him. What would a normal person’s response be? Anyone else would have said, yes let’s go. Remember when Lazarus was sick, his sisters came to Jesus and said please come. Hurry and come. So when Jesus says I’ll come and heal him, what should the centurion have said?

Look at verse 8.

8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel[d] have I found such faith.

Not even Jesus’ own brothers and sisters have faith like this guy.

Now here’s my question: what’s so special about his faith?

It’s not just believing that Jesus can heal. Or that his belief in Jesus is stronger than Mary and Martha for example when Lazarus was sick. In fact, Mary had so much confidence in Jesus that she blamed him for not getting there sooner. She didn’t say, if you got here in time, at least you could have tried. She had absolute confidence t that Jesus could heal. What’s so special about the centurion’s faith?

It’s that Jesus’ word is enough.

His Word is enough. I don’t need you to come. I don’t need any flashy signs or divine anointing. Just say the word, and it’ll be enough. His Word is enough.

It’s no wonder Jesus looks at the centurion and says the Israelites have nothing on him. It’s not just that he believes in Jesus. Lot’s of people do. It’s that he takes Jesus at His word. His Word is enough for him. And then Jesus tells us.

11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Here’s the point Jesus is making. Heaven will be filled with people who don’t belong, but believe. The Romans didn’t belong in Israel. They were the conquering army. The centurion didn’t belong in Caperneum. He was most likely stationed there. He doesn’t belong here. But Jesus says, many will come from east and west, from China and even New Zealand, people who don’t belong, and will recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. What he’s saying is that heaven will be filled with people who don’t belong, but believe. Those that think they belong to heaven or that heaven belongs to them, will find themselves in the outer darkness

Heaven will be filled with people who don’t belong, but believe. So what does this mean for us?

Think about this. How many of us read this passage and think man if only I have faith like this centurion, then I’d be a better Christian. If I could have even a fraction of this guy’s faith, maybe my Christianity wouldn’t feel so dull.

We look at the centurion and think man if only I have faith like his. But we don’t realize that anyone who is a Christian has exactly the same faith that the centurion had. Think about it. None of us were there. None of us ever saw the miracles or sat at the feet of Jesus. No one here even belonged. All we have is the gospel. The message of Jesus which somebody shared with us. And based on the word, based on just what we heard, we call ourselves Christians.

Jesus said heaven will be filled with people who don’t belong, but believe. He was thinking about us. Those who believe in the word of God. Someone might say, well if that’s true, then why do I still struggle with my faith? Surely if I have the same faith like the centurion, then I shouldn’t be struggling right?

Again, the answer comes back to the centurion. What’s so special about his faith? It’s not how much he had, it’s what he had it in. His faith was in Jesus’ word. Right? He said, just say the word and it’ll be enough. And look at verse 13. 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.

I wouldn’t be surprised if on the way back, he was full of doubt and still unsure. Like is my servant really healed? I want to really believe he is. Do I dare to hope? It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s what happened. But we’re not told right, and that’s the point. It doesn’t matter how much he still had doubts or how much he second guessed himself. What mattered most? What Jesus say to him? Go. Let it be done for you as you have believed. And that was enough.

A Christian is not someone who has absolute confidence that God is real or that the gospel is true. A Christian is just someone who only has enough faith to start walking back home. And along the way it’ll be difficult. There’ll be doubts, questions, or distractions tempting us to turn back. It can even get so bad that our hearts fail and it’s like we’re just going through the motions. I don’t really feel I am a Christian.

If that’s you, or if you ever yourself in that situation, remember this passage. Remember the centurion. His word is enough. So go and keep going. What’s the worst thing the centurion can do? Verse 13 tells us the servant was healed at that very moment, but the centurion wouldn’t have known or couldn’t have known until he made it back. What’s the worst thing he could do? Give up on his faith and give in to doubt. Maybe go someplace else and try something else. A Christian is just someone who hears Jesus word, believes enough to start walking home. And keep walking.

Heaven is filled with people who don’t belong but believe in Jesus’ word.

(Summarised transcript from ECU public meeting, Semester 2, 2020)

Matthew 20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’

13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

What is our reaction when we witness injustice? Or when we experience inequality? Whether it’s someone getting paid less because of their gender, or someone getting a distinction by cheating, we don't like it. And there are the other less obvious things like why do you and I find ourselves in WA and not Victoria? Or born in Australia as opposed to Somalia?

If only life was fair. More than that, all of us want to believe in fairness - that if you work hard, do good, you’ll receive good in life. That crime doesn’t pay and bad guys ultimately lose. We want to believe that don’t we? But as much as we hope for it, we know it’s just not true. If you do good, there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive good in life. Even our health. You can be a gym junkie and eat salads all day and still get cancer. As much as we want to believe that life is fair, or should be fair, reality is it isn’t.

Would it surprise you if I said that heaven is the same? Heaven is unfair. If you think this world is unfair, wait till you see the next one. Because that’s what this passage is about.

Jesus told this story in response to a someone who has done all the right things. Went to church, gave money to charity, sorts his recycling, eats a healthy diet, drives within the speed limit. He does all the right things and guess what? It still wasn’t enough. That’s the rich young man in chapter 19. And when the disciples saw that, they were shocked just like we should be. It’s not fair right?

And so Jesus tells this story. The point of our passage is this.

Heaven is unfair because God is generous.

Let’s read again from verse 1.

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’

The comparison is easy to see. The master of the house is God and the vineyard is Heaven. It’s a metaphor. And the master hires 5 sets of labourers beginning with the ones in the morning all the way till evening time. Notice that he only negotiates their salary with the first group. The others he merely promised to pay what was right.

Just think about the second group for a moment. Presumably this second group of labourers didn’t get up early enough in the morning because otherwise the master would have hired them. They were described as standing idle, which I think is a little dig at them. I’m not saying they’re lazy, but you know they could have woken up earlier if they really wanted a job.

And so it went the whole day. First group negotiated their salary. Done. Second group, third group, fourth group, and lastly uni students who would only just got out of bed. 5 groups of workers who got different shifts and worked different hours. It’s not rocket science right. There’s a reason we have Fairwork Australia. Those who worked more get more. Those who worked less get less. That’s what we believe life should be.

And then comes payday.

8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’

I don’t know about you, but I get where these guys are coming from. I get grumpy as well when I see what I think is unfairness. Imagine seeing someone in your group assignment getting a HD when you know they didn’t do anything. You on the other hand worked your butt off and you just got a credit. It’s a little unfair isn’t it?

Is this what Heaven is like - unfair? I actually think the answer is yes. It goes against everything I kind of expect or assume heaven to be. After all, Jesus says many who are first will be last, and the last first. Why is that the case?

Heaven is unfair because God is generous.

Look at the master’s response.

13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Did the master do anything wrong? You’d have to say no. Look, here’s the contract we negotiated. See your signature here that says you’ll get paid 1 denarius for a day’s work? If you were happy to sign it in the morning, why are you grumpy now?

Look closely at the passage. It's almost as if the master is being intentionally controversial. Why else would he pay the last group first? When the first group saw what was paid to those who worked less, verse 10, they thought when it’s their turn they’ll get more. The money that was fair to them when they started working suddenly became unfair. But it’s not like the master cheated them. And here’s the harder truth to swallow. The master didn’t seem to care. In fact, he almost gets angry at them. Take what belongs to you and go. Which group do you guys think will be back first thing in the morning the next day?

The point that Jesus is making is this. Heaven is unfair because God is generous. Was the master absolutely fair to the first group? He didn’t cheat them or pay them less than what they agreed. Absolutely fair. But at the same time the master is so generous to the last group. If the master was unfair, it was to the last group. It wasn’t fair for them. It was better than fair. So what does this mean?

Jesus tells this story to challenge us. And the challenge is this:

Do I want God to be fair to me or do I want God to be generous to me?

Those are our options. God can either be fair to us and give us what we deserve, or He can be generous to us and give us what we don’t deserve. And you know the crazy thing? He’ll even let us decide. Why do I say that?

Because there is someone who was willing to be treated unfairly. Think about this. By paying the last group more than he needed to, the master accepts the unfairness. It’s His money right. His foreman or maybe his accountant are probably going nuts – why did you do that? Because he was willing to be treated unfairly, the master was generous to the labourers. That's a picture of what God is like.

Look at what Jesus says next. Look at verse 17.

17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”

Was any of this fair? No! God shouldn’t have let Jesus suffer the way He did. God shouldn’t have let people condemn Jesus to death. Jesus committed no crime at all. But He was mocked, flogged, and crucified. Unfairly! Why? All so that God can be generous toward us. The last will be first, and the first last.

Heaven is unfair because God is generous

If you guys are anything like me, you want God to be generous to you but fair to others. Give me the distinction but hey if someone else didn’t put in the effort, they should get what is fair. I think if we’re honest with ourselves, that’s how we naturally think.

But I want you to picture the 5 groups of labourers and imagine it’s the next day. The master goes out in the morning again. Who will he find? People who are smarter now to negotiate a higher salary? Or just people who are still in awe of the master’s generosity?

Why is it that our Christianity often times just feels so bland? We believe in God, but how many of us here get up in the morning thinking man I can’t wait to go see God again. He was so good to me yesterday. I certainly don’t. Do you? It might just be that we are treating God more like the first group of labourers - just here to do my job, earn my pay, and go home.

Let me encourage all of us to take this passage to heart. See how God is generous that He is willing to be treated unfairly just so He can be generous to us.

Heaven is unfair because God is generous.

(This article was written by Paul Marais.)

It seems like only yesterday when we would gather together on campus to study our degrees and do group projects. It seems like one day it was business as normal and the next every social interaction was over Zoom. How could things change so quickly, and what about God? Is He absent or has He changed too?

Well the Bible tells us that God doesn’t change. In fact we describe this unchanging nature of God by the word immutability. This doesn’t mean God is a statue that is cold, far off and uncaring. What it does mean is that He is unchanging in His essence, attributes and purpose. The Bible shows a loving father who sends His Son to save humanity; a Son who willingly goes to the cross to pay for sins; and a Spirit that brings people to the Son and the Father for their salvation. This shows not a statue but a God of deep love for people.

As we look at the world around us everything changes. Trees grow and fall, families have kids and lose grandparents, but God never changes. God's being never changes. His essence is eternal. But how can this be?

‘Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Psalm 90:2.

Here the Bible tells us one of the reasons why God never changes; He is before creation. God is not only before creation but is also our creator. This is why He is spoken of as ‘from everlasting to everlasting’ in Psalm 90:2. He is the one eternal being in the world. His essence is outside of time. The phrase ‘from everlasting to everlasting’ teaches us that God existed from as far back as you want to go and will exist as far forward in time as you want to travel. You could say from eternity past to eternity future He is God. He has no beginning and will have no end. The world may fade and age, but God doesn’t. He is the one eternal God. We can trust that God will be there for us just as much today and into the future as in the eternity past.

But just because I know that God is there doesn’t mean that He cares for me. How can we know that God still cares for us today?

“And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17.

We have established that God’s being is eternal, that is what the first part of the verse is talking about, but look at the second part, “and in him all things hold together.” Speaking of Jesus, Paul tells us that Jesus is the one sustaining the world. Jesus keeps the world running, keeps the earth spinning, the sun burning and us breathing.

“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:20.

Here Paul tells us that Jesus is reconciling all things to Himself. Through the work of the cross God is bringing the whole world to Jesus. The purpose of the cross is deeply personal, yet is set out from before creation (Eph 1:4). God’s eternal purpose is unchanging, never wavering and will be accomplished.

Our God is unchanging and this should comfort us. We can trust him as He never changes or fails. His promise is fulfilled and His purpose is unchanged. Put your trust in this. Everything else will change, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8.

Matt. 6:12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

We have a debt to pay

It shouldn’t surprise us when the Bible presents a grim view of humanity. No other species on earth has the propensity to mistreat others like people do. After all, no one locks their doors at night in fear of killer kangaroos. While everyone disavows the actions of the corrupt, few would admit a liability that they themselves bear. We delight in exposing the depravity of others but balk when the spotlight turns to us. Even so, when we ourselves are subject to the scrutiny of the Bible, the result is grim indeed. For the Bible is resolutely clear. We are guilty.

Forgive us our debts/sins/transgressions (depending on translation) implies that we are morally deficient. Whether it’s by wilful aggression or careless omission, no one is immune from moral failure. Where God is concerned, we are morally bankrupt. Hence, Jesus teaches us to pray forgive us our debts.

God is the one we’ve wronged

That Jesus teaches us to seek forgiveness from God also highlights another important truth. Even though we may have wronged our fellow human beings, it is ultimately God whom we have offended. Firstly, because God is perfect and we have failed to live up to what we ought. But secondly, since we are all God’s creatures, any insult to the creature is an insult to the creator. Even more so when we consider that we are God’s children. This is why King David could say he sinned against God even though his actions were directed toward other people (Psalm 51:4). And so it is from God that we must seek forgiveness.

Do what now?

Our prayer for forgiveness must come after we have forgiven those who have wronged us. The grammatical structure of the two lines make this clear. Just in case we attempt to misconstrue it, the next few verses leave no room for doubt.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

It would seem that our forgiveness is contingent on us granting forgiveness to others. But does that sound right? How sincere would it be anyway if I forgive someone in order to attain forgiveness for myself? Besides that, what does forgiveness entail? If someone stole money from me, I could absorb the loss and not pursue the matter. But what if a spouse commits a marital affair? Or what if a person’s reputation gets assailed by baseless accusations? Forgiveness in many cases aren’t just difficult, they are incredibly complex. Rather than absolve us, this should spur us on to seek forgiveness all the more.

How to obey

Let’s face it. No human being is capable of perfect forgiveness. This verse ought not discourage us but motivate us to look beyond ourselves. Even though we can’t, there is someone who can and who has. Consider Jesus Christ who when He was brutally nailed to the cross forgave his attackers (Luke 23:34). There is no doubt that when Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray in this way, He knew that the time would soon come when He Himself would have to embody this very verse. Jesus Christ is the one who perfectly forgave those who have sinned against Him and achieved forgiveness from God, not for Himself, but for us.

12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

We need it. Jesus lived it. Praise God for all that He has done.

Give us this day our daily bread...

(this is a continuation of our series in the Lord's Prayer)

We have a Father who provides for us

At a glance, this verse is simple, but it reveals several important truths. The first is that we have a Heavenly Father who provides for us. The very fact that we can go to God with a request implies that He cares about our needs. God is not a hard taskmaster who demands from us. God is a Heavenly Father who cares about our needs and gives to us.

Think about it, you can trust that no one loves you more than the one whom you can approach and simply say gimmie it. We see it most evidently in parents. Or in my case, grandparents who do not hesitate to give to the little ones whatever it is their adorable hearts so desire. Likewise, children have no fear or qualms about asking for things and even at times demanding things. If having children of my own has taught me anything, it is that I have no idea just how generous God is.

Jesus once said, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” I realised, after becoming a parent, that I merely understood what Jesus was saying at an intellectual level. It wasn’t until I had kids to whom I find myself wanting to lavish with stuff, that this truth hit me. If this was the way I felt toward my children, I can’t begin to imagine what God feels toward His children. When Jesus teaches us in the Lord’s Prayer to say give us, it is not a stamp of approval granting us permission to make withdrawals from a heavenly ATM. It is a window into the heart of the one who owns the bank. We have a Heavenly Father who provides for us. Not only that, we have a Heavenly Father who cares about us.

We have a Heavenly Father who cares about us

This sounds exactly like what we said earlier, doesn’t it? But they are not the same thing. Simply providing sustenance to someone does not equate care and love. Any university student receiving Centrelink can attest to this. When we think about Give us this day our daily bread, it is important to remember what it does not say. It does not say give us bread for today and enough for tomorrow as well. The Lord’s Prayer clearly limits us in what we are to ask God for. We do not ask today for what we need tomorrow. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. Don’t we all pray about things to come?

Here’s why providing for someone is not the same as caring for someone. Suppose God were to give us everything we would ever need from the moment we first pray to Him, that would be an egregious thing. There will be no real need to pray to God again. More than that, the fact that God so-called rations what we need speaks less of God’s character than it does our nature.

I will readily confess that I’m easily drawn to different things. My heart is like a magnet in a garage. Swing it around and it’ll fly straight to the first shiny thing it sees. Call it human nature if you like, I call it a disaster about to happen. Far from being manipulative, God’s provision day-by-day ensures that I am never so rich that I forget God, but never so poor that I resent Him (Proverbs 30:8; check it out if you haven’t read it before).

Remove far from me falsehood and lying;

give me neither poverty nor riches;

feed me with the food that is needful for me,

lest I be full and deny you

and say,“Who is the Lord?”

or lest I be poor and steal

and profane the name of my God.

How to pray like this?

Let’s be practical now. What does it mean to pray give us this day our daily bread? Does it mean we shouldn’t pray for our paycheck next week? Or is this just calling us to embody a certain attitude of trust? Is it more in keeping with the Lord’s Prayer when we neglect common sense budgeting and simply live day-by-day? The answer rarely is as simple as dogma demands. But I do think these 3 principles are undeniable.

1. Pray every day

All our theological knowledge will amount to nothing if we neglect a life of daily prayer. Don’t be discouraged if you struggle in this area, we all do! Here’s a tip: make your mealtime prayers longer. If you aren’t in the habit of giving thanks before eating, make it so. If you already do, make them longer. Pray every day.

2. Know that help comes from God

In God’s kindness, He has given us skills and abilities to go about our daily chores. But this gift can so easily lead us into a sinful self-reliant posture. Jesus teaches us to pray Give us bread, not Give us talent and opportunity which combined with our hard work will produce bread. There is a recognition in the Lord’s Prayer that everything comes from God. It is foolishness to think otherwise. Know that help comes from God.

3. Trust that Father knows best

Asking for our daily bread implies that we trust God for tomorrow. But more than simply trusting that God will provide what I need tomorrow, it is trusting that God already knows today what I might need tomorrow. We can’t say what might happen tomorrow, so why presume to know what we might need and ask God for that? Trust that Father knows best.

We hope this has been helpful!

This is part of a continuing series on prayer.

Matthew 6:9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

When we speak of prayer, what we usually mean is asking for God’s help in a time of need. We pray for ourselves and others. Prayer is directed to God and for people. Praying for God seems a ridiculous notion but that is exactly what Jesus is teaching us to do here.

Notice how the Lord’s Prayer starts with 3 concerns – your name, your kingdom, your will. The Lord’s Prayer is first of all a prayer not for us but for God. It’s a strange concept isn’t it? Yet it is exactly what we are called to do. But how do we do that?

We do it by surrendering our own survival. Remember Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane? Faced with certain death and with every instinct screaming at Him to save Himself, He prayed “not my will, but yours” (Matt. 26:39). In World War 2, we read of the terror unleashed by Japanese kamikaze pilots. On 11th September 2001, we experienced firsthand the destruction caused by 19 terrorists.

Think about it, if people could sacrifice their lives for an unjust or evil cause, how much more should we be ready to sacrifice our lives for our Heavenly Father who loves us?

Surrendering our own survival also means we stop worrying, which is easier said than done I know. So try this instead. The next time you pray, make no mention of your own needs. Go ahead and ask God for anything you can think of, on the condition that it doesn’t apply to you. You might end up surprising yourself with what you pray for! This leads us to the second step.

We do it by thinking about others. No single person embodies this better than the apostle Paul. Even when he was languishing in prison, so great was his concern for the church that he could confidently say “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:8). I can honestly (and to my shame) say that if I were ever imprisoned, the church would probably not be high on my list of concerns. Nevertheless, Paul calls us to imitate him and reminds us that spiritual maturity happens over time (Phil. 3:12-17).

Thinking about others requires that we take an interest in the people around us. The amount of effort required will naturally depend on our individual personalities and circumstances. But we all must make the effort. So start thinking of your family and close friends. How many of them are in a deep and thriving relationship with God? Odds are, many of them are having to navigate life without the assurance of a Heavenly Father. Do you know anyone who have lost their jobs due to Covid19? Don’t underestimate the power of a text message asking someone how they’re going. Perhaps you can do more!

Surrendering our survival and thinking about others are just 2 ways we can live out the Lord’s Prayer. But when all is said and done, the most important thing is that we pray.

What's stopping you from praying right this moment?

By now everyone would have felt the full impact of the Covid19 pandemic. Many have lost jobs and are facing unemployment. Some have had to endure forced quarantine. Sadly, some have even experienced firsthand the horror and death that is the coronavirus. Nothing about the current state of affairs is business as usual. And so there has never been an easier time to not evangelise. Afterall, everyone is supposed to stay at home and practice social distancing, right?

On the contrary, the need to evangelise has never been more pressing. We are currently facing a crisis that affects every single human being regardless of status or wealth. It is an enemy that is invisible. There is no negotiating with it and no middle ground we can seek to reach. Its power is terrifyingly breathtaking, literally. If we don’t fight it, it will kill us. There is so much about the coronavirus that can also be said of the sin that lies within all of us. Perhaps there has never been an easier time to evangelise.

Here are 5 things you can do today to evangelise in lockdown.

Check in on your neighbours

With everyone keeping indoors as much as possible, odds are most of our neighbours are home majority of the day. Our family have recently moved to a new home and one of the first things we did was to knock on our neighbours’ doors and introduce ourselves. Disclaimer: this was before restrictions were put in place! One neighbour works as a nurse in the emergency department. Another has a lung disease. So you can imagine conversation has never been easier.

But perhaps this is a little daunting for you. Why not make up some care packages and drop it off at every door along your street? Young families will surely appreciate something for their little ones to do, even if it’s the novelty of opening a surprise package. What’s better, prepare craft materials and include a link to watch North Coast Kids. If all else fails, you can always give each neighbour a toilet roll!

Send a friend a Bible verse

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word timely spoken. The Bible is not just God’s Word for Christians. It is God’s revelation to the world. It is relevant in every circumstance and sufficient for every need. With what’s been happening all around us, here are a few verses that might be helpful.

• On Uncertainty

Psalm 46:1-2

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• On Fear

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Romans 8:38-39

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• On Suffering

2 Cor. 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

Psalm 119:50

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.

• On Hope

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Start a prayer chain

Imagine being able to impact the world without even getting out of bed. For Christians, prayer is a supernatural act of staggering proportions. That we call God our Father is a divine privilege hard won by the death of Jesus Christ. Don’t forget it. Don’t underestimate it.

Every Wednesday I meet with our students at The Gospel Stand to read the Bible together and pray for our friends. Do you have a growth group or close circle of friends? Why not start asking how you can pray for them?

Here’s an idea: pick a friend you care for and ask them how you can be praying for them. Then nominate them to do the same for someone they care for. Who knows how many people will be motivated to pray!

Read a biography on missions

When life starts to feel overwhelming, gaining perspective is important. There is no doubt that in God’s purpose, suffering is the fuel that feeds the fire of mission. Countless men and women, whose names the world will never know nor honour even if it did, have endured unspeakable circumstances for the sake of missions right up to their welcome into our Father’s eternal rest. They are part of the great crowd of witnesses spurring us on in our individual journey. For those who know, these are the great treasures that will inspire our hearts.

What’s more, you can read for free at DesiringGod.org! There are heaps of biographies for download into either your kindle or as a PDF.

Read about the men who fought to abolish the African slave trade, which produced the hymn Amazing Grace. Read about the women who lost their husbands to cannibalistic tribes but saw a generation converted. Read about those who paid the ultimate price so that even a pauper can read God’s Word.

Why not start with this.

Give money

This last one might sound crass, but it is vital. Obviously, everyone’s circumstances are different and our ability to give depends on a variety of things. Exactly how much we give is of little importance, as long as we do give. One important reason is that we treasure what we give to. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Above and beyond what you give to the church which you call home, consider the many missions organisations or aid agencies around the world. Personally, we as a family have been grateful for the work of Barnabus Fund and Doctors without Borders (MSF). Don’t forget to include your kids in the discussion. You can never start too early to instil this practice.

I’ll end with the verse that has been at the core of what we do on at The Gospel Stand.

Rescue those who are being taken away to death;

hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.

(Proverbs 24:11)

Have fun evangelising!

Earphones are one of the best inventions in my book because anyone can walk down the street and have a conversation without interruption. Whereas before that, people would just see me as a maniac talking to imaginary people. Jokes aside, does prayer ever feel like that to you? Christians believe that Jesus is God. But the Bible tells us of many instances where Jesus Himself prays. Is He praying to Himself? How does that work?

One of the many reasons Jesus prays is to teach us to pray. In fact, there was once a time Jesus’ disciples approached Him asking to be taught how to pray (John 11:1). Jesus’ reply became what’s now known as the Lord’s Prayer. Each week we’ll be looking at a line from the prayer in order to answer 3 questions:

1. What is Jesus teaching us about God?

2. How is this truth similar/different to what is universally accepted?

3. Why is this truth important?

Jesus said, pray then like this.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

(Matthew 6:9)

What is Jesus teaching us about God?

1. God relates to us as a Father, with all that fatherhood implies. We are His children. He wants what’s best for his children and He knows what’s best. We trust.

2. God is in heaven and we are not. We must not forget He created us and He is holy.

3. God is the Father of many. “Our Father” not “my.” We must be part of His family.

4. God is the greatest treasure to be found. Hallowed is to treat with highest honour and name refers to all that God is.

How is this truth similar/different to what the world thinks?

1. The world thinks or wants to believe that God is benevolent. Jesus expands upon that and makes it even better – God is Father.

2. Individualism makes Jesus' teaching a bit awkward because the church is not optional.

Why is this truth important?

1. We all want our own name to be hallowed instead of God. This corrects us.

2. We forget who God is and what our relationship to Him is. Is he a discipline master? A boss? A vending machine?

3. The purpose of prayer is to glorify God. Hallowed by your name.

Have you ever wondered why Christians end their prayers “…in Jesus’ name”? And no, it is not some dogmatic rule set in place by men with robes who lived centuries ago. Like most things that Jesus taught when He was on earth, it has more to do with inner conviction rather than outer conformity. “In Jesus’ name” means something and it highlight several significant truths. Aside from because Jesus said so, 2 beliefs drive this practice. We pray in Jesus’ name because:

1. Jesus gives us access to God.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand…

Conflict pushes people apart. It happens in playgrounds, in marriages, and even entire countries that have been ravaged by war. What is true at our earthly level is also true at a cosmic level with disastrous consequences.

The Bible teaches (and Christians believe) that people are separated not just from each other, but from God as well. This separation is among other things primarily moral in nature. Nobody is perfect as they said, which is precisely the point. God is perfect and the perfect cannot abide the imperfect. Every major religion across history have recognised to a degree this separation and each has developed ways of bridging the gap so to speak. The most common being ritual sacrifice.

Christians likewise firmly believe that a sacrifice must be made if our prayers are to be heard by God. But what makes Jesus utterly unique is His claim that instead of people offering sacrifices to God, God would offer His Son up as a sacrifice. The work that Jesus accomplished when He was crucified is what theologians call atonement. Think at-one-ment. The work that brought two parties together. This is summarised for us in Romans 5:1-2.

We pray in Jesus’ name because Jesus gives us access to God. Why else would God even bother to listen to us?

2. Jesus advocates for us before God.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Access to God would make us comparable to angels, which says a lot on its own. But who wants to go into Disneyland if not for actually enjoying the rides? Jesus doesn’t just give us access to God; He advocates for us before God. Winning an audience with the King is something. But convincing him to act on our behalf is entirely another matter.

The Bible teaches that Jesus didn’t just die a sacrificial death, but He rose again from the dead and ascended to God. Do you ever wonder what Jesus is doing right at this moment? The Bible tells us that He is at the right hand of God interceding for us. Praying for us. In other words, Jesus advocates on our behalf. Every time we pray in Jesus’ name, Jesus is there speaking well of us. If that doesn’t fill us with confidence that our prayers are heard, I don’t know what else will.

We pray in Jesus’ name because Jesus advocates for us before God. Why else would God even bother to do anything for us?

Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing?

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Money can’t buy happiness. It’s true. But money sure can make someone’s life less miserable. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. I confess I often wonder what I’d do if I ever won the lottery. Think about all the missionary work I can support! It’s foolishness I know. Sure, it will give me a sense of elation for a moment but only for a moment. What then? Here’s why we should keep reading the Bible during this lock-down. It teaches us who God is.

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our lives. It is a timely word when everything around us is in chaos and supermarket shelves are stripped of goods. Do not worry. Jesus says, giving 2 examples – birds and flowers. Even in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic, nature carries on. And without needing to hoard supplies at that. God ensures that His creation is looked after. He will look after us as well.

Therefore, we are not anxious. Not even if the toilet paper really runs out. People might rush to stock up their pantries, but we know God will take care of us. He is our Heavenly Father who knows all our needs (v. 32). So dear Christian, take a moment. Breathe. Relax. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” One way to start is to pick up your Bible and start reading it again.

As for man, his days are like grass;

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children... (Psalm 103:15–17)

I’ll be honest. I struggle immensely with identity and the need to be safe.

When I’m at work I obsess over whether I am providing enough for the family. Do we have enough emergency savings? What’s my plan if this pandemic gets truly ugly? Should I also start stocking up on supplies?

When I’m at home I obsess over how the campus ministry will survive with no public meetings. Are students still staying in their fight against sin or have some given up? How many are struggling with intense isolation and loneliness? Who among the group is drifting further from God?

All these feelings and thoughts threaten to overwhelm me even on my best days. Like a barbeque that has gone cold, nothing seems to happen no matter how many times I poke and prod at the coal. Was my faith ever sizzling hot or did I merely imagine it? Maybe I’m not a real Christian.

Our circumstances are all different and unique, but the struggle is the same. How can we combat the short-sightedness of our heart’s desire and insecurity? The answer is to keep reading the Bible.

In psalm 103:15-17, we are reminded of who we are. Do you feel powerless and insignificant? The Bible reminds us that our days are like grass. It’s true. What would all our best accomplishments be in the grand scheme of things? We could become self-made billionaires through hard work and diligence, but still be powerless when death comes knocking. We could fill our lives with beauty and pleasure – a brand new car, fine dining, first class travel – but inevitably the plane always has to land, and we find ourselves empty again until the next experience. We flourish like a flower in the field. Here today and possibly gone tomorrow.

Why put yourself through all of that when in reality we have everything we need and even dare to hope for? The Bible reminds us of what we have. We have the steadfast love of God. A treasure that does not decay nor can be ravaged by time. It is from everlasting to everlasting.

So whenever we feel doubt and insecurity start to creep back into our hearts, consider that the one who created the universe loves us with a steadfast and everlasting love. As Jesus said, if even sinful people like us know to give good gifts to our children, how much more would God give to us whom He loves? Read Psalm 103 today and ask God to remind you of what you have.

The apostle Peter describes for us his experience on a mountain top where Jesus was transfigured and God Himself spoke from the Heavens. It was a divine encounter that would overwhelm even the most charismatic Christians today. You can read about it in Matthew 17.

What is particularly important though, is what the apostle Peter says about it several years later when he wrote the letter of 2 Peter. Because Christians can easily forget the importance of godliness (I know I do!), and because false teaching often leads people astray, Peter reminds us of our eternal calling and election. He wants to reinforce the truth in which we have been established (2 Pet. 1:12-13).

"Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder…"

Like a lawyer presenting his case in court, Peter calls on 2 things – eyewitness testimony and written accounts. He describes what happened to him, James, and John on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured (Matt. 17). It was a divine encounter unlike any other. Even so, when compared to the written accounts, Peter says

"We ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention…" (2 Pet. 1:18-19)

The apostle Peter makes an absolute distinction between his encounter with the audible voice from heaven and the prophetic word that is Scripture. More importantly, he says that the prophetic word is more fully confirmed. It is a staggering claim because it teaches us that the inscripturated word of God was to Peter as true as can be. His encounters only confirmed what was already sure.

In other words, even without experiencing the transfiguration of Jesus, Peter had all he needed in the Word of God. There is no higher authority or argument that need support what we find in the word of God. As Kevin DeYoung helpfully explains:

"You do not need another special revelation from God outside the Bible. You can listen to the voice of God every day. Christ still speaks, because the Spirit has already spoken. If you want to hear from God, go to the book that records only what he has said."

(Taking God at His Word)

So while we are maintaining social distancing or self-isolation, we need not quarantine ourselves from God. We can hear Him speak, clearer than an audible voice and with absolute truthfulness. Why not pick up your Bible now?

Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

It’s often said that there are no atheists in foxholes, that people are most inclined to turn to God when faced with danger and hardship. But even in this current pandemic, I must confess that I’ve failed miserably to pray as I ought. Beyond the perfunctory thank you God for this food, I scarcely utter more than a few sentences to a Heavenly Father who loves me. If this is the case for you as well, I hope this passage will encourage you to reach out to God. There is a richness to the Christian life experienced by those who know to seek it and who pray likewise that all may find it.

The apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossian church prays for a people he’s never met, yet both how he prays and what he prays for reflect a sincere love and genuine concern. His prayer doesn’t address any specific issue, yet it is immensely practical. It reads incredibly personal, yet it is invaluably timeless. Its content is deep, yet any Christian could grasp it as easily and surely as hot glue when it is first applied. So what does Paul pray for?

Broadly speaking, Paul prays that Christians would grow to understand the gospel more and more. It was this gospel message of Jesus Christ that first came to the Colossian Christians, bringing with it a hope that is now stored up in heaven for them (1:5). It is this gospel message that has spread throughout the world and through which we understand God’s grace (1:6). I take it that when Paul prays for God to “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.” (1:9), the will that he is referring to is the gospel of Jesus Christ. For it is through the gospel that we see and understand the grace of God.

Why should we grow in our understanding of the gospel? Because it is imminently practical. It enables us to “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way” (1:9). But how does it do that? Paul describes it with 4 participles (words ending with -ing) in verses 10-12.

1. Bearing fruit in every good work

2. Growing in the knowledge of God

3. Being strengthened so as to endure patiently

4. Giving joyful thanks to the Father

How do we pray in a pandemic? What should we be concerned about when hundreds of people are dying daily? What do we say when over 3,000 people have died in a single day (March 29th) around the world? We pray that God will grow us in our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here's why.

The gospel motivates us for good works

That all men are created equal is widely acclaimed, but it is the gospel that teaches us all peoples are loved by God for Jesus Christ died for all. When we hear the staggering numbers of people affected by this pandemic, we should recognise that each number represents a person. That person has family and friends, all of whom have seen their lives deeply impacted and irrevocably changed. If that isn’t enough, consider that some of them are our fellow Christian brothers and sisters – people for whom Jesus Christ laid down His life. They are precious to God and should be to us as well. So let’s do whatever we can to love and care for all those around us.

The gospel teaches us about God

Some people would argue the irrelevance of God when it comes to suffering. What good is the Bible when I’ve got fluid in my lungs? Except, denying God doesn’t make suffering any easier. In fact, consider the God revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is no stranger to suffering. He is not unaware or unconcerned with our dire needs. He knows and He cares. It is often the simplest truths that shine the brightest light in dark times. So may this pandemic cause us to see in greater clarity who God is.

The gospel strengthens us for endurance

If you had any doubt that the gospel is immensely practical, consider that the gospel helps us to endure suffering. Paul prays that Christians would be “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (v.11). What is the power? What is the glorious might of God? We need only look at the gospel and see Jesus Christ who died and was buried and yet was raised back to life. It was the gospel that gave Paul the confidence to proclaim that

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor.15:55-56)

So don’t give up. Never lose heart. Be patient. There is no death that can rob us of our victory in Jesus Christ.

The gospel helps us to be thankful

Being thankful is easier said than done. Yet ironically, oftentimes thankfulness can be achieved merely by speaking. We mourn our losses and grieve our dead. But our sorrow can’t diminish the preciousness of what we have, even if it was only for a brief moment. For all things come from God and they return to God. Likewise, we will all one day be reunited. But more, we will receive an inheritance that would so far outstrip the loss we experience as a bird flies higher than we can jump. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (v.13). So let’s give thanks to God for all that we have and also all that we may have lost.

In an age of social distancing, it is not hard to imagine life for a leper in Jesus' day. What’s worse is that they didn’t have medicare or antibiotics. If you contracted leprosy, it’s a death sentence. You are immediately put into quarantine - permanently. You are kept outside the towns, outside the markets, outside society. It’s how leper colonies begin.

All of us would react the same way. No one wants to expose themselves right. Which is what makes our passage really interesting because Jesus doesn’t pull back. He heals the leper and by doing so, shows us something about who he is.

Our passage tells us that Jesus is the compassionate King.

Jesus is the compassionate King

38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.

40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

The leper didn’t say make me well. He said make me clean and this is why leprosy is a horrible disease to have because it makes you unclean. You are cut off. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, you don’t belong to the realm of the living. Because everything you touch becomes death.

And when a leper comes before Jesus, what does Jesus do? The one thing you should never ever ever do. He touched him! Don't you realise what you’ve just done Jesus? You’ve exposed yourself to leprosy! I mean if you want to heal the guy that’s very cool. But you didn’t have to stretch out your hand and touch him. There are a lot of times Jesus healed people from great distances so why touch the guy? Notice how the Bible specifically describes it – stretched out his hand and touched him.

Why? Because he had compassion on the man.

I wonder how many of you guys know this year is election year for the president of the USA. And the democratic party is choosing their nominee who will go and challenge Trump. And would you be surprised that there a few billionaires in the mix? They all get up on TV and debate and give speeches promising this or that. I stand for this right, I stand against that injustice. But we all know they’re all saying whatever the people want to hear. They’re saying whatever they have to say to win.

Any politician can be motivated to stand for you. You got enough money they will definitely stand for you. But which of them will trade places with us? To live in your house, sleep in your tiny bed, drive your little box car, have the same bank account as you. Would a billionaire trade places with you?

Think about it. Why do we quarantine those with the coronavirus? Why are lepers outcast? Because to come into contact with them is to expose yourself to danger. When Jesus touches a leper, he has made himself unclean. As far as everyone else is concerned, he might as well have leprosy himself. Why did you do that Jesus? You’ve just started your career and now you’re throwing it all away? And for a leper?

Why did Jesus do it? Verse 41 – moved with pity. He had compassion. Jesus stands with the hopeless. When the world casts you out, when no one else wants you, Jesus stretches out his hand puts his hand on you as if to say, you’re mine.

42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.”

It will be stupid to touch a leper unless you are Jesus. Because immediately the leprosy left him and he was made clean. The unclean became clean. And Jesus the clean, became unclean. What’s more look what Jesus says in verse 44. Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.

Here the question: Proof of what? That he was healed? That was obvious. And why do the priests need proof anyway?

Because the healing of a leper is a sign that the Messiah has come. It’s proof that Jesus is the king of Israel. See if you were a first century Jew and all you’ve known is that the Romans came from far away and conquered your home and all you were taught is one day God’s King will come and save you, you’d be looking out for him too. And one of the main signs of the Messiah is that he will heal lepers. When that day comes, God will save His people.

It seems to me that so often the powerful are not as compassionate as they could be and the compassionate are oftentimes powerless. But in Jesus Christ, both those things come together. He is compassionate and kind, but at the same time he is powerful and able to defeat his enemies.

He is the King but he is the compassionate King. What does this mean for us? None of us are lepers. Nobody here has the coronavirus. I hope. But all of us are suffering from different things – some are outwardly obvious, like leprosy. Some bleed only on the inside. No matter the case, Jesus will have compassion on us. He knows our pain and he really really cares. If he could trade places with you, He would. And he did on the cross. Don’t forget that. God should judge us, but he judged Jesus. God should save Jesus, but he saved us.

What we’re looking at today are two separate events in the life of Jesus and his disciples as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. One in chapter 4, the other in chapter 6. They are two separate events, but they share quite a lot and there’s a distinct thread that connects them both. Let’s look at the first one.

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

If you go back and read the rest of chapter 4, you’ll know this was a massive day for Jesus. He had been speaking to crowds of people, teaching and preaching. And we get a such a reality check of Jesus’ humanity. I can only imagine how exhausted you must be to sleep through a storm. But there was Jesus sleeping on a cushion. One of the many little details in the gospels that don’t add any meaning except they included it because he actually slept on a cushion. They didn’t make anything up.

But just like nobody here likes to be the only one who does all the work in group assignments, the disciples woke Jesus up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re perishing?” We don’t know what they expected Jesus to do. It’s unlikely that one more person bailing water out is going to make much of a difference. Jesus was a carpenter remember, not a fisherman. I suspect they were driven by sheer panic. Fear had gripped them so tightly that they’re panicking. Wouldn’t you be? Then look what Jesus does.

39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Just imagine being on that boat. It’s taking everything you’ve got just to stay on your feet. You’re holding on to the rope so tightly you can’t feel your hands anymore. But you know if you let go you’ll be thrown into the sea for sure. You can’t hear anything other than the wind howling in your ear. And then suddenly it’s dead quiet.

Notice what Jesus said to them. Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith? Why shouldn’t they be afraid? Because the storm wasn’t the most dangerous thing that day. Jesus demonstrated on that day a power that no ordinary human being should have. And the disciples realised standing in the boat with them was no ordinary teacher. And they were filled with great fear. Their initial fear was misplaced. Jesus was right, they shouldn’t have been afraid of the sea. What’s the worst that could happen? You’ll die. I’ll tell you who you should fear. The one who after he kills you can throw your soul into hell.

Fear can be misplaced. Especially when we get Jesus wrong.

The passage shows us by what the disciples call Jesus, teacher don’t you care that we are perishing? If Jesus is just a teacher, then you’ll be right to be afraid. But the moment their eyes were opened to who Jesus actually was, since no ordinary teacher can control the sea like that, it just makes their previous fear seem irrelevant.

Here in Australia everyone’s worried about getting sun burnt. But the closer you go to the sun the less sunburn becomes a worry. It’s so hot that you’ll be vaporised instantly.

It's true that I get scared and worried about all sorts of things and it’s so easy for me to start thinking Jesus, do you not care? Do you not care that I’ve got $12 left in my bank? Do you not care that my parents are breaking up? Do you not care that I’m failing uni? Do you not care that we are perishing? All of that as Jesus says is because we have no faith. No understanding of who Jesus really is. Because if we do, why are we afraid? Fear can be misplaced but if you have faith, fear can be subdued. Which is what happened the next time they were out at sea.

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them,

It’s so easy to miss this little detail. Did you see it? Jesus meant to pass by them. How does that work? Did Jesus just expect the disciples to see him and go sup Jesus see ya? No, because that’s actually a technical term.

There’s only a few times in the Bible the phrase is used – when Moses was on the mountain and when Elijah was hiding in the cave. Both times we are told that God appeared to them, His glory passed by them. They saw God. The same thing is happening here.

Jesus meant to pass by them which is to say he meant to show them who he really is. After all, who can walk on water except God? But what happened?

49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded…

Once again, they were absolutely terrified. Except this time their fear was subdued when Jesus spoke to them. When they realised it was Jesus, their fear was subdued.

Fear can be misplaced, but fear can be subdued.

Both times the disciples were confronted by Jesus. The undeniable, in your face, reality of who Jesus is and what He can do. And that will either terrify us or comfort us.

So what does this all mean for us? It tells us that when the day comes and we see Jesus face to face, it will either terrify us or comfort us. Fear can be misplaced but fear can be subdued. Why be afraid when the time comes? Get to know Jesus today. And a good way to start is just to talk to him.

So here’s the question: why are people buying toilet paper when things like food and water are actually more important? Even though you’re more likely to die from starvation than lack of toilet paper. It’s not rational behaviour.

Just like someone running back into a burning house to save their dvd collection. Why would you do that? But people do that. There’s been many air crashes where they found that people were still trying to take their bags with them. It’s irrational.

But that’s what we do and would you be surprised if I said we do the same thing when it comes to our faith? As Christians, we actually do the same thing and that’s what our passage today is about.

Our passage is simple today. Forget yourself and follow Jesus. That’s what Jesus is calling people to do. Have a look.

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Jesus stands in front of everyone and says anyone who wants to follow me, who wants to be a Christian, you’ll have to deny yourself. It doesn’t just mean put Jesus above ourselves. It’s not a reordering of priorities, as if we’re just placing Jesus as first in a list.

I think Jesus is stronger than that. When he says take up your cross, you have to let go of whatever it is you’re holding in your hands. You can’t balance your life and the cross at the same time. We’ll talk more about how that works but look at the passage. Forget yourself and follow Jesus, that’s verse 34. What follows is a series of points each starting with “for.” Verse 35, 36, 37, 38 all start with For. They argue the case. Forget yourself and follow Jesus. Why? 3 things.

1. You can protect the body but still lose your life

2. You can gain the world but still lose your soul

3. You can follow the crowd but still lose your way

You can protect the body but lose your life.

35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.

What does Jesus mean when he says whoever would save his life will lose it? I think he’s talking about the fact that everyone dies. Death is unavoidable. Whatever you do, however hard you try, whoever would save his life will lose it. It’s guaranteed. But if you lose your life for Jesus sake and the gospel, you will save it.

So if you’re going to die anyway, die for a reason. Die for a cause. Die for Jesus who can reach beyond death and save us. Everyone on this campus and around the world thinks that you get 1 life – you live and then you die. Jesus says no. You die and then you live. The world says in the midst of life there is death. Jesus says in the midst of death, there is life. So forget yourself and follow Jesus.

You can gain the world but lose your soul

36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul?

What’s a soul? For argument's sake, I take it as our inner spiritual life. It’s what makes you you. They say all the money in the world can’t buy happiness, but you know what, I rather be rich and sad than broke and sad. Because then I’m doubly sad. So what does Jesus mean?

I think this passage is telling us that our inner spiritual life is distinct from our outer physical life. What do I mean? Look at what Jesus says. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

You see, our soul and our possessions are not interchangeable. But more than that, they are not inter-dependant. It’s not just that money can’t buy happiness. It’s that our physical possessions have no bearing on our spiritual status. We can forfeit our soul no matter how rich or poor we are. For what can a man give in return for his soul? In other words, you can’t put a monetary value on it.

If you say money can’t buy happiness, then why do people still work hard for it?

If you say money can buy happiness, then why are there so many sad rich people around?

You see whichever side you’re on, you’re doing the same thing. You’re tying the value of your inner life with your physical possessions. Jesus says, you can gain the world but lose your soul. He’s not saying that if we give up the world, we’ll keep our soul. Or that we better make sure we don’t lose our soul in the midst of gaining the world. I think he’s saying those two things are separate and your soul is more important. Because what can you give in return for your soul? So forget yourself and follow Jesus.

You can follow the crowd but lose your way

38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Now here’s a question: why would we be ashamed of Jesus? Because the world and Jesus don’t get along. See how Jesus describes the world as adulterous and sinful. That’s how Jesus sees the world and the world likewise sees Jesus as irrelevant, hateful, intolerant. So people, we have to make a choice. We can’t have it both ways. Nobody who really stands up for Jesus will ever be popular accepted by everyone.

I’m not saying we go on twitter and say people are going to hell. That’s just insensitive and stupid even for rugby players. But as Christians, our core convictions are fundamentally different, and they set us at odds with the world. Whether it’s refraining from porn, refusing to be sexually active until marriage, whatever it is, you can follow the crowd but lose your way.

So forget yourself and follow Jesus.

3 reasons why.

1. You can protect the body but lose your life

2. You can gain the world but lose your soul

3. You can follow the crowd but lose your way

Mark 1

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Welcome to the Gospel Stand!

I’m not sure how many of you know why we’re actually called the gospel stand. What does that mean?

We don’t really use the word gospel anymore – when I say gospel what do you think of? Church choir? Well, gospel means big news that bring relief. Imagine a big bush fire bearing down on your house and you’re stuck. Roads are closed, you can’t go anywhere. You’re in the direct path of the fire and you know this is it. And you suddenly get a sms alert saying the winds have changed direction and the fire is now burning away from you. We’ve been saved! That’s good news isn’t it? That’s gospel.

There is a gospel we want people to hear. It’s a story of how rescue and salvation came when we most needed it. It’s the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s where we find ourselves today. That’s what the Bible is – a record of the gospel of God. What God has done for us to rescue us.

Jesus is the beloved Son of God

Our story begins like this in verse 2.

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

It begins with as it is written. Straight away this tells us a few things. Why do you write stuff down? Because it’s important. If you want to be absolutely sure about something, put it in writing. That’s why we have contracts. But we write stuff down also because it’s permanent. So you guys know that whatever you post on facebook or wherever can come back and bite you. If you write rubbish, there’s a good chance your future employer will find out. It’ll follow you everywhere.

The gospel begins with “as it is written…” This is not some myth or legend. There are historical records.

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

And the gospel begins with Isaiah the prophet. None of us really know him, except that he lived about 700 years before Jesus and he wrote down a bunch of stuff that became a key part of the Jewish religion. Why this matters is because it tells us that Jesus didn’t appear out of nowhere. There’s been prophets writing and predicting his coming. The reason the Bible is so thick is because our head is thick and also because it’s giving us reasons to believe.

And the story of God has been written to prepare the way. There’s no point writing anything to someone who doesn’t know how to read. What is the preparation that Isaiah talks about? Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight?

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

What is the preparation? Putting decorations on the wall? No. What do you do when you have people coming over to your place? You clean. That’s the preparation. That’s what John the Baptist is doing – baptizing which is just a ritual where you dunk someone in water to symbolise washing. Because Jesus is coming.

Now the amount of preparation you do depends on who’s coming right? Any of you guys can come over to my place and honestly, I wouldn’t really prepare anything for you. But if my mum comes to visit, or worse my mother in law, you should see how well charis packs the house and squares everything away.

John the Baptist says this about Jesus in verse 7.

7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Here’s the surprise. John baptises people to prepare them for Jesus who comes and baptises people again. There’s an irony here. Imagine I clean my home and my mother in law comes and cleans it again. Well, actually she does that but for a different reason.

What does it mean that Jesus will baptise us with the Holy Spirit? In fact, what does it mean to have the Holy Spirit? Is it so we can perform miracles? Look at verse 9.

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

How do you know whether God is pleased with you or not? How do you know whether you’re on the right side with God? Have you been paying your subscription fees? Do you have a membership card? Why would God love you?

We know, because Jesus is the beloved Son of God. We know God loves us, because God loves Jesus. That’s the logic in this passage. God is well pleased with Him who has the Spirit – Jesus Christ. And Jesus baptises us with the Holy Spirit. He gives us the Spirit so that we too can share in God’s love.

That’s why Paul in Romans 8 says this:

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Paul says if Christ is in us, if we have the Spirit, then whatever happened to Jesus will happen to us. He received the Spirit, we receive the Spirit. He is loved by God, we are loved by God. He was raised to new life, we are raised to new life.

I hope you can see the massive comfort that this is. Because the day God stops loving Jesus, is the day He stops loving you. And that ain’t never gonna happen. This is what you want to put your confidence in. Not on your performance, but on who Jesus is.

Put your faith, not on your own standing with God, but Jesus. Jesus will never be anything other than the beloved Son of God. And those of us who trust in Him, will likewise be loved by God.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Since its inception, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to more than 104 individuals and 23 organizations. To fight for peace, ironic as it sounds, is a valiant and essential endeavour. Our world is fraught with conflict, whether it’s contained within the privacy of an abusive marriage, or depicted in yet another mass shooting, or epitomized by ongoing wars and its ensuing humanitarian crisis. It is not surprising when notions of peace are greeted with sarcastic cynicism. Peace has proven itself to be an elusive ideal.

Far from what critics of religion would argue, the words of Jesus are more relevant now than ever. Spoken just days before His gruesome murder (circa. ad 30) following a criminal trial that cared little for justice and fairness, these words have echoed throughout history and continues to captivate people in 2019. What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…”?

What Peace Isn’t

I do not give to you as the world gives. Jesus draws a sharp distinction between the world’s concept of peace and the peace He offers. It is universally agreed that peace necessitates an absence of conflict. To make peace with someone is to let go of any bitterness which so easily morphs into violence. A peace agreement between warring states has validity only if all parties agree in withdrawing hostility. Peace is achieved when fighting stops.

Here is why Jesus will never be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He explicitly states that He does not offer the peace that the world expects. He offers a peace that is profoundly different.

What Peace Is

The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things… Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. To be clear, Jesus is speaking of what will happen after His departure. The Father will send the Holy Spirit and the disciples will receive peace. I am suggesting that these two things are one and the same. That is, the Holy Spirit is the peace that Jesus offers.

This explains the distinction against the world’s peace. For from being attained only when fighting stops, Jesus offers a peace that can be attained even in the midst of intense fighting. This is because peace is a person – the person of the Holy Spirit.

Finding Peace

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. How is this possible when we face a daily barrage of struggles and difficulties? It is possible because peace is neither elusive nor ephemeral. Peace is the person of the Holy Spirit whom God gives to those who asks Him in repentance. If you turn your heart to Jesus, you will not only find peace, peace Himself will find you and dwell with you forever.

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

Love the Father who freely gives

Our passage starts in verse 15 - 5 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. It shouldn’t be a surprise that God wants us to obey him and live in such a way that is in keeping with God. What should surprise us is how God motivates us.

I have 2 kids who are entering the toddler phase. They’re at the stage now where they are old enough to decide for themselves more and more things. As a parent, how should I motivate them to make the right decisions? Do as I say, or I’ll beat you. Stop doing that or you’ll go into timeout.

How does Jesus motivate us to obey? Notice the Bible doesn’t say, if you don’t want to go to hell, keep my commandments. It doesn’t say if you want to receive blessings, do this. How does Jesus motivate us? If you love me, keep my commandments. Love is the reason why we call ourselves Christians. Love is the reason why we do this and not that. Love is the reason why we choose to date this person and not that person.

Every decision we ever have to make as Christians is fundamentally a question about our love. Jesus says Love the Father who freely gives. And the Father gives us 2 things.

1. God gives His Spirit who lives in us (v.15-17)

2. God gives His Son who dies for us (v.18-24)

God gives His Spirit who lives in us

5 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Let me ask you this: how do you picture God in your mind? When we talk about God, everyone has a certain image of what they think God is like. It could be something like superman or the force, or shiva, or morgan freeman. Jesus tells us, that God is a heavenly Father who freely gives.

And God gives His Spirit (verse 16) to be with us forever, (verse 17) the Spirit of truth who dwells with us and in us. God gives us His Spirit to live in us. But my worry is that we understand the concept, but we’re not sure what it means practically that the Spirit of God lives in us. Look at verse 17.

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Stop for a moment and think. Do you guys realise that you have something that the world doesn’t have? And the world cannot take from you? Even Bill Gates with all his money cannot buy what you have. So don’t look at him and wish for what he has. Because that’s a downgrade. Whenever I feel envy creep into my heart, I take this verse like a spotlight and remind myself that whatever it is that I think I need or want, it is nothing compared to what I already have. It protects me from being consumed by greed. That’s just 1 example.

God gives His Son who dies for us

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

We know that a couple of days after Jesus said these words, He was tortured and killed. He knew what was going to happen. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more. He’s speaking ahead to when he will die on the cross. The reason he did that was to make us children of God.

Think about it. The parent-child relationship cannot be broken except in extraordinary circumstances. I can’t go and adopt a child just because I want to. Especially not if they already have a living parent. Not only that, even if Bill Gates wants to adopt me and I really want to, it can’t happen because I’m a child of my parents.

In the same way, all of us are children of wrath. All of us inherit the same heart that is bent towards evil. Don’t you find that lying is easier than telling the truth? Don’t you find yourself getting hurt or angry when someone criticises us, even if they are right? Nobody taught us or trained us to be like that. It’s our nature. Nobody forces us to lie. We have to be compelled to tell the truth. It’s because we are by nature children of sin.

At the cross, we were disowned by sin and death. Jesus says Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. By taking on a death sentence that He didn’t deserve, Jesus cut the cords that bind us to what is ultimately our destiny – to die and be judged for what we have done. It’s our choice to make. Whether we pay for the consequences of our own actions, or we make a claim from the cross where Jesus paid it all for us.

It’s almost like having private insurance. Who’s got private health insurance here? I regretted not getting it because I have terrible teeth and in 1 year I needed 7 repairs. You might say my teeth are fine, I’m a good person. But you know it’s just a matter of time and when the time comes, you either pay for it yourself or make a claim against what has already been paid. That’s what the cross is.

Conclusion

Love the Father who freely gives. He gives His Spirit who lives in us. He gives His Son who dies for us. Let me give you something to think about as we close.

Imagine a little orphan boy. And this rich couple comes to the orphanage wanting to adopt a child. And so they meet the boy falls in love with him and say to the him, would you like to come and live with us? We would love to be your parents. At what point does the boy become their child? When he is able to love the couple back? No. He become a child and then he learns to love.

Our passage tells us that God loved us and he gives His Spirit and His Son, not only after we are able to love him as we should, but before, and he made us his children.

John 14:8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

So imagine tonight you get home. Couch, Maccas, Tv. And suddenly you hear a banging on your door. When you open it, your best friend is standing there freaking out. Hair is all over the place, looking like they’ve just seen a ghost. And they say to you, can I come in? We need to talk.

And as you let them in, you notice the blood. It looks like a red shirt at first but then you realise they are drenched in blood. She looks at you and says, your little brother is dead. You’re shocked so obviously you say, what? It can’t be I just saw him at ECU today. He said he’ll come home after his lecture. You’re joking right, I don’t believe it.

And she says I know, I was in the lecture too and when we were walking to the bus stop this car just came out of nowhere onto the walkway and your brother was right in front of it and he was hit. I was right there. By the time the ambulance came it was too late. I held him in my arms as he died.

And you say, I see. I see. We say that even when we weren’t there. Even when we didn’t see it with our own eyes. Based on somebody else’ word, we see and we believe. In fact, it’s irrational for us not to. If you say I refuse to believe and continue living your life, you’re just in denial!

The same thing is true when it comes to God. Lots of people refuse to believe in God because they can’t see him. And because I can’t see, I can’t believe. Even though that doesn’t make sense.

That’s where this passage comes in.

We see God when we look at Jesus

The main point of this passage is actually quite simple: You see God when you look at Jesus. To be in the same room as Jesus is to be in the same room as God. When Jesus speaks, every word coming out of his mouth are God’s words. To see Jesus is to see God. That’s the point. Look at verse 8.

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

Philip wants what all of us want. To see God. It’s not just Christians. It’s also people who don’t believe in God. They don’t believe because they can’t see God. Show me the evidence and I’ll believe. And for people who do believe in God, like Philip here, we also think it’ll be cool if we could see God. Right? Don’t you?

It’s completely natural for us. We tend to trust what we can see with our own eyes more than what anybody else says. Even more than what we know to be true. If you don’t believe me, just ask yourself 2 questions.

Do you worry about the future? Job, money, house? I know I do. Next question: does God provide for all our needs? I would say yes, I know He does. Well then, why do we still worry? You know why I worry? Because I can’t see God’s provision tomorrow, today. I have to wait for tomorrow for God to provide what I need tomorrow?

“Show me the Father, and it is enough for us.” Philip says what we all are thinking at some point in our lives. It’ll be nice wouldn’t it? And Jesus says, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Look at verse 10,

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

In essence, Jesus tells Philip, trust what I say, not what you can see. But if that’s too difficult, believe on account of the works themselves.

Now here’s my question: what works is Jesus talking about? Our first glance tells us it’s obviously the miraculous works right? There’s a lot of times in the Bible when Jesus makes a claim to be God and when people challenge him, he performs a miracle. Bam! Look with your own eyes! What’s the problem? Verse 12.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.

Now Jesus says we will do those works too? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never healed a blind guy. Have you? So what’s this work?

I think, and this is the key to understanding this passage, that the work is evangelism.

Look at verse 10 again. 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. That last sentence doesn’t really make sense. You would think that Jesus is saying, I don’t speak on my own authority, but on the Father’s authority. Or that the Father is the speaking through Jesus. That’s the logic we would expect. But the two things Jesus contrasts are “I do not speak on my own authority” and “the Father does His works.” And so if we follow the logic backwards, “the Father does His works,” is Jesus speaking with authority.

In other words, the Father works when Jesus speaks. In fact we can go further and say, the Father shows Himself in what Jesus says. The words coming out of Jesus mouth is God the Father doing His work. So it’s not like we tend to picture it: Jesus speaks, God does miracles through Jesus to back it up. This is saying, Jesus speaks, God works. God shows Himself in the words of Jesus.

Why does Jesus say believe me or else believe the works? Jesus is saying, even though you don’t see it, others do. God shows Himself when Jesus speaks and those who listen see God. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not true.

And this then makes the next part of the passage really clear.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.

The work here is where God shows Himself in Jesus’ words. Which is also called evangelism. Let me put it another way. Imagine I’m talking to someone and we start talking about life, what’s your passion, why are you doing what you’re doing, is there a bigger meaning in life. I’m sharing the gospel and telling them about God. And they say to me, you know what I don’t believe in God because I can’t see him. Why can’t God just show himself to me. I’ll believe it when I see it.

The answer to that is, what do you think we’ve been doing? This is how God appears. Our default is to distinguish between what we hear with our ears and what we see with our eyes. But God doesn’t. That’s why Paul says people are blind to the truth, not that they are deaf. Because God shows Himself in the Words of Jesus. That’s what makes Philip’s request so absurd. Show us the Father. I am doing that right now as I am talking to you, says Jesus.

Why do we do greater works? It’s greater not in quantity, but in quality. It’s greater for the same reason the Bible tells us that John the Baptist is the greatest of all the prophets, but all of us are greater than John the Baptist. Why? Because of where we are in relation to the cross. In the OT, the word is God will save. When Jesus came, he says I am going to save. Now in the NT, the word is God has saved. The message of a saving God gets bigger and better and clearer. It’s not that in the past people were lesser, it’s just that what they can see is limited by their time in history.

And verse 13 becomes really simple. What does it mean ask in Jesus’ name? It’s not a formula, like how we end every prayer with in Jesus name. You have to, otherwise God won’t do what you ask. Really? No. To ask in my name means to align ourselves with everything Jesus stands for. I’ll give you two examples, one from the Bible and one from society. In the OT, you hear people pray to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What’s the deal? It’s setting the context where God made promises and we the descendants are looking to that promise. You can’t pray to the God of Abraham, please kill all of Abraham’s children. It doesn’t work like that.

Another example is say you go to Bali for a holiday and for whatever reason the Indonesian government arrests you for being a spy. What you must do, is get the consulate or embassy to get the Australian High Commission to step in. Why? Because you’re an Australian citizen. Dear Scott Morrison, I’m an aussie citizen, you have to help me. You can’t write to ScoMo and say, I’m an aussie citizen, give me a Ferrari. It doesn’t work like that.

So when Jesus says, 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it. It’s not a recipe to get whatever you want. It’s a promise that God makes and will keep to be glorified in Jesus. What is the one prayer God will always say yes? It’s this. Please be glorified in the Son. Make yourself known through Jesus. And why will God always say yes? Because we see God when we look at Jesus. God shows Himself in the Words of Jesus.

John 14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

I would be lost without Google Maps. You just put in where you are, and where you want to go, and it’ll take you there. It'll even tell you the most efficient way to get there. Is the Mitchell freeway better or Wanneroo Rd better? Or Marmion Ave? It depends. Where do you wanna go? It’s no use figuring which way is better if you don’t even know where you want to go.

But of course, most people are happy to live their lives without knowing their final destination. Look, don’t worry about whether there’s a heaven or hell, just worry about being a good person now. But that’s like me telling you to be careful driving along Albany highway. It’s pointless unless of course I know I’m going to Albany.

The same thing is going on in this passage today. What Jesus does is he tells his disciples their final destination. Where are we actually going? And it’s only when you know that, then you’ll be able to find your way.

Previously, in chapter 13 Jesus tells his disciples that he’s going to be taken away from them. That one of them will betray him, and even Peter will run away. It’s like being told you’re going to fail before you even take the exam. I would be worried.

So, Jesus says Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In other words, trust me. Don’t worry, trust me. Why? Because our destination is heaven.

Jesus Prepares Heaven For Us

The big idea is this: Jesus Prepares a place in Heaven For Us. He guarantees it. Firstly, he promises Heaven. Look at verse 2.

2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Jesus says in my Father’s house are many rooms. He’s talking about God, the Heavenly Father. And Jesus says that there is a place prepared for you and me in heaven. If there’s no heaven, no life after death, then what’s the point of Jesus living and dying? If there’s nothing at the end, would Jesus have gone through all that trouble? There must be, and Jesus says, there is.

You might be thinking, that’s cool but how is that practical? After I die, I’ll go to heaven, sure. But what about now? I rather God give me an investment property so at least I can collect some rent. Heaven is an investment that sounds good only on paper. Right? Only if you think of Heaven as just a place. Look at the emphasis in the passage!

2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b] ] 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

What makes heaven is the Father. And the relationship with God through Jesus. This is so practical.

Anyone here worry about finding a boyfriend or girlfriend? Wonder if you’ll cope being single your whole life and missing out on getting married? Jesus says, I’ll come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Single? Sure. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you.

Or what about your career? Anyone here worry about finding a job when you graduate?

Just stop and think about this. How different would uni be for you, if you knew you had a guaranteed job after you graduate? If you’re studying to be a teacher or a nurse or business, and you’ve already got offered a contract for when you graduate. How different would your uni experience be? Imagine a boss saying to you, look we really want you here. So don’t worry about how you going to get a job, just enjoy uni and make the most of your time while you still can.

Every worry we have has an expiry date. Best before. And what this passage does is it brings us past the expiry date, into the future, right to the end. Jesus is showing his disciples that they have nothing to worry about. Every worry we have has an expiry date. And they will expire. So don’t let your hearts be troubled.

Jesus guarantees heaven for us. Being with God in heaven is the final destination of every Christian. We know that, but of course getting there is the difficult part right. Jesus goes to prepare a place for us. cool. How do we get there? That’s the second thing.

The 2nd thing in this passage. Jesus prepares us to live in Heaven.

When Jesus says, I go to prepare a place for you, what do you picture? Surely not of Jesus making our beds? I don’t think it’s Heaven that needs preparing as though it’s deficient or missing something and Jesus is going to fix it up. No.

What needs preparing? Us. Here’s a tip for you, don’t ever go to a wedding in speedos. You’ll ruin it for everyone. It’s the same principle. If God lets us into heaven, with all our brokenness and all our worries, we’ll just ruin it.

And so Jesus says in verse 3, 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Where does Jesus go? Answer: To the cross! The cross of Jesus is where he sacrificed his own life to pay for our mistakes. Imagine finding yourself at a wedding in your speedos, or actually graduation day but you forgot. You came in your boardies or activewear whatever. They’re not going to let you up on stage to collect your degree wearing that. The cross is where Jesus takes off his robes and swaps it out with ours so we can be received and accepted. Jesus covers us by what he did and so prepares us for heaven.

Verse 4 carries on.

4 And you know the way to where I am going.”[c] 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.[d] From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

What Thomas doesn’t understand is he thinks Jesus is going somewhere to prepare that place. When actually, Jesus is talking about going to the cross and preparing us. When Jesus says, you know the way, he’s saying, you know me and I am the way. Not just the way, the truth and the life.

I will prepare you. I will get you there. I will guarantee heaven for you.

Can you guys see how this is getting us to look at the cross. See what Jesus did for us. And when we see it, we realise that getting to heaven is not something that we accomplish. We will never be able to prepare for heaven. Only Jesus can prepare us by going to the cross. It depends on Jesus. We know him, we know the way, because He is the way.

We always default to thinking that we prepare ourselves for God. That’s what religion is right, all different ways to the same thing. You know, show us the way and we’ll meet you there.

Jesus says no. I am the way. I will get you there. Jesus guarantees heaven for us. So I want to encourage all of us, it doesn’t matter where you are in life, doesn’t matter if you’re lost and can’t find your way. Jesus says I am the way. So lets bring ourselves before Jesus and get to know him. If we know him, we’ll know the way, because He is the way.

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Trading Places

So for those of you don’t have good taste in music, Taylor Swift’s new album just hit no.1 on billboard charts making it the 6th album to sell more than half a million copies in the first week. And she’s not even 30 years old. She is worth probably about 360 million dollars.

Whenever I hear about famous people like that I always imagine what it’ll be like if it was me. What would it be like to be a celebrity or super rich. Do you ever do that? Wouldn’t it be nice if we can trade places with Taylor Swift? I wonder what kind of bed she sleeps on.

We know that’s never going to happen right. One because it’s just a stupid idea, but two even if we could trade places with Taytay. The question is would she trade places with you?

Think about your favourite personality in the world. Either a celebrity or someone successful in the field you’re studying. Barack Obama or Megan Markle or whatever. Given the choice, would you trade places with them? Just for one day to see what it’s like? I think most of us will. But will they? Will Megan Markle come and live in your house, drive your little car, wear your daggy clothes?

It’ll never happen. It’s just an unfair trade. Very fair for us sure, not for them. Someone who has everything will never give it up in exchange for someone who has nothing. Except Jesus Christ. Even if you’ve heard it a hundred times, it should still make no sense to you. It’s totally unfair, totally unthinkable. But it’s true. That’s what our passage shows us today.

The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life For The Sheep

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

The comparison is easy to understand right. A hired hand will never risk his own life just for a job. But a shepherd who owns the sheep will go to greater lengths for the sheep. It’s not complicated.

Here’s my question: Why? Don’t risk your life for a job – we get it. But we say the same thing to people who own businesses. You hear of people who kill themselves when their business goes bankrupt or the stock market crashes, we don’t think that’s very admirable. We think that’s silly. Why?

So a worker who will always run away, but an owner who will never run away. It’s just not true all the time. Except in one situation. Think about it. Why wouldn’t the shepherd run and save himself? Because the sheep are his life. You can go work on a strawberry farm but if a bush fire comes and the farm burns down, there’s always the mango farm. Even if you’re the owner, there’s always insurance. It’s only when your entire livelihood is on the line, no back up plans, no Centrelink, no parents home to move back into that you will stay. Because the sheep are his life.

Now. Can you start to see what Jesus is saying here? Verse 14, I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. This is so much more than just an employee vs. a business owner. Jesus is not just saying I’ll die for you because I own you and it’s my responsibility. Jesus is saying I’ll die for you because if you die I die. There is a bond or a connectedness between Jesus and us such that if you die, I die.

Where am I getting that from? Verse 14.

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Let’s play a little game right. On a scale of 1-10, how close do you think you are to God? Depending on whether you read your bible this week. How close do you think Jesus is to God? Because that will be how close you are to God.

Jesus says, we share that same closeness when we become Christians. To be a Christian is to be as close to Jesus as He is to the Father. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. Can you see now why Jesus will never run away? If you are a Christian here, Jesus is as much committed and devoted to you as He is to God the Father.

You see if the good shepherd just means that Jesus leads us, then you don’t really need Jesus for that. If all we need is a leader then every religion is the same pretty much. We can follow whichever one we like. But hopefully you’re starting to see, it is more than Jesus leads you.

Think about it. What’s the point of keeping sheep? Anyone have dreams of owning their own farm and raising sheep? Imagine you have an uncle who’s a farmer and he dies leaving you 100 sheep in his will. What are you going to do with a 100 sheep? Call us and we’ll have a huge barby right. What’s the point of keeping sheep? As far as I can tell, meat or wool. They’re not good for anything else really. Sheep are there to serve a purpose for us.

The whole point of keeping sheep is for what the sheep can give you. Sheep give. It’s not that different compared to religion where people give to god. You bring an offering or a sacrifice or a promise or anything in exchange for a favour or power from god.

But Jesus is absolutely different and utterly radical. Here you have a God who doesn’t take, He gives. Look at verse 17.

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Here’s what this passage is saying. Jesus will give up his life in exchange for yours. Christian, can you see how much you mean to God? You’re not a job. There’s no unwritten contract making sure God is on your side. He lays down his life for us. If you die, I die. Can you see how much God loves you? Jesus gives up his life in exchange for yours.

I’m not that old but I’ve already had a few people I know die of cancer. The thing about cancer is that it doesn’t kill you instantly like a heart attack. It happens over a period of time right. Sometimes you don’t even know you have cancer until it’s too late. The question that always gets asked when someone is diagnosed with cancer is how long do I have? You know you’re going to die. It’s just a matter of time.

Now, would you trade places with them? But you see, actually we are the ones who have cancer. We are the ones who must one day die. Just like sheep which ultimately end up either in Coles or some wool jacket, everyone of us are destined to die and end up on judgment day and God will reveal every detail and hidden secret of our lives. And even the lowliest beggar or the smallest dust mite wouldn’t want to trade places with us.

But the Bible tells us that Jesus is The Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. I lay down my life that I may take it up again. To be a Christian is to be united to Jesus in such a way that we share both the death we deserve and the life he deserved. On that day, you’ll see Jesus the Good Shepherd lay down His life and trade places for His sheep.

Who else in the world can do that for you? So let’s pray and commit ourselves again to Jesus. Whether you’re a Christian or not or in between, lets bring ourselves over to Jesus and stand where He stands.

John 10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

You Can Trust Jesus

If you’re a Christian here, odds are that what you believe about a whole host of issues make you a minority. It’s not fashionable to hold on to Christian beliefs on sex, marriage, gender identity, and lots more. And the more open you are about what you believe, the more excluded you will become.

It can be lonely being a Christian and nobody should feel guilty if you are tempted to doubt whether you’ve made the right decision.

I want to show you from this passage today that you can trust Jesus. Even if nobody will stand with you. Even if you’ve been cast out of your social group. Even if you’re the only one left. You can trust Jesus.

Because that’s the context for John 10. Last week in chapter 9 we are told the blind beggar had just been cast out of the synagogue. He’s literally an outcast. No social identity, no community access, no religious support, no nothing. Thanks Jesus. Maybe I was better off being blind.

No! Straight away john 10 tells us we can trust Jesus.

There are three reasons the Bible gives us to trust Jesus.

1. He speaks our name

2. He leads us onward

3. He gives us life

Firstly, Jesus speaks our name.

Look at verse 3.

3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Who here owns a pet? What’s the first thing you do when you get a pet? Give it a name right. But I bet none of you picked a name when you get a new phone. That’s just weird, who does that? Why do you name your pet but not a car?

Surely one reason is the connection you have. Its why parents pick names for their children.

What does it mean that Jesus speaks our name? For starters, it shows how much you mean to him. And second, it shows that you are included in his circle. You might be a social outsider – just that weird Christian that never gets invited to the cool parties. You might be a cultural outsider – maybe you’re an international student here for the first time. Or you could be a moral outsider – you’re the only one in your course who still thinks marriage should be reserved for male/female couples.

You can be excluded by the world, but you are included by Jesus. He speaks your name and calls you.

Secondly, he leads us.

Look at verse 4.

4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

The picture here is of a shepherd leading his flock from the front. Which means if there’s a ridge to climb or a valley to cross, he goes first. What does that mean? There’s nothing which you and I will face which Jesus hasn’t already faced and gone through.

Have you been excluded from something? Jesus was excluded by his own family. Have you been wrongly accused of something? Jesus was charged with a crime he didn’t commit. Have you been hurt by someone you trusted? Jesus was betrayed by one of his closest friends which ended up killing him. Do you feel lonely? Jesus spent days in the bush and on what was the hardest day of his life, his friends couldn’t even stay awake to be with him. Do you feel like no one understands you? Jesus was mocked and laughed at even as he was dying on a cross.

Jesus goes before us, and we follow him, for we know his voice. He speaks our name. He leads us onward.

And lastly, he gives us life.

9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Up till this point, Jesus doesn’t do anything that some other religious leader can do. You can argue that Allah knows your name too. You could make a case for some famous person in the world to be our leader. Lots of people have very inspiring stories and examples.

So, what is special about Jesus? What can Jesus do for us that nobody else in the universe can? Look at verse 10. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

It’s strange how people believe the first part but not the second. Everyone knows that they will die one day. One day our very life will be taken from us. And yet so many people find it difficult to believe the second part. That Jesus will give us life.

Maybe it’s because of that the abundant life is. I can tell you what it’s not. It’s not health wealth or prosperity because look at Jesus, he had none of those things. By all our standards, he lived a horrible life. You guys know Jesus died as a criminal naked and bankrupt right? He didn’t have the abundant life.

In fact, he abandoned his life so that we can have the abundant life. The life that he has with God.

That is the life Jesus gives us. To be with God now and forever.

Can you trust Jesus?

This is a continuation of our discussion on evangelism being easy. We suggested that reading the Gospel stories is the best and easiest way to evangelise. But how do you start? Where do you start?

Here are 4 things to remember under the easy acronym of PRAY. After all the most important thing in evangelism is remember to PRAY. Get it?

The 4 things are: Pick the good passages. Read it out loud. Anchor your conversation. Yield to imperfect interpretation. Here we go!

Pick The Good Passages

All Scripture is God’s Word but even the Apostle Peter understood that some passages are easier to understand than others (2 Pet. 3:16). It’s no different within the narratives of the Gospel accounts. There are passages more suited for evangelism and others less so. Picking a good passage can set the stage for follow-up sessions as it allows us to trace a narrative theme at our discretion. For example:

The first chapter of Mark’s gospel can be read in four parts.

Verses 14-15 announces the arrival of the Kingdom of God.

Verses 16-20 tells us about the citizens of this kingdom, that they are fishermen not elites.

Verses 21-28 teaches us about the nature of this kingdom, that it is firstly a spiritual one.

Verses 29-39 shows us the work of this kingdom, that it advances by preaching rather than miracles.

Similarly, in Luke’s gospel we can paint a picture of Jesus using four passages spread throughout the narrative.

5:12-26 tells us what Jesus has come to do: forgive sins

7:36-50 teaches us who receives forgiveness: the morally bankrupt instead of the “good.”

23:1-56 shows us how forgiveness is accomplished: by the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross.

24:36-49 explains why the gospel was written: so that forgiveness can be proclaimed to us.

Notice how we cover the entire span of Luke’s gospel in just four readings. It might not be a comprehensive unpacking of the gospel, but it is still a truthful and adequate unpacking. Therefore, we think it is not just helpful but perhaps crucial to pick the right passages.

Read It Out Loud

Having picked the passage, the next step is to read it out loud. It might feel awkward at the start, but we’ve found that meeting either in a crowded café where you’re less likely to be overheard or in a quiet place where there’s no one around to make it awkward, will help. We can easily under-emphasize and so miss the significance of reading the Bible out loud as though once it’s done, we can get to the real job of evangelism.

And yet the public reading of Scripture is visibly stressed throughout the Bible, being done (or instituted) by Moses, Joshua, Josiah, Ezra, to name a few. Paul writes to Timothy “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching (1 Tim. 4:13).”

Take your time. Read it slowly. Read it carefully. Read it out loud.

Anchor Your Conversation On The Text

Having read the passage out loud, the next step is to start talking. Easier said than done right? There are plenty of books written on this subject. David Helm’s One-to-One Bible Reading contains a great chapter on methodology (or you could simply google Swedish Method & COMA). Nevertheless, we suggest remembering just one thing – anchor your conversations on the text.

What we most want to avoid is turning Bible reading into a Bible study. A Bible study among Christians is fundamentally different to Bible reading with not-yet Christians. In the former, our aim is right answers to questions. But in the latter, our aim is not right answers but simply to form an impression upon people of the person of Jesus Christ.

Similarly, we also want to avoid tangents. Not least because they are often controversial topics, but also because they take the focus off the main issue. Rather talk about how Jesus wept at Lazarus’ tomb than defend and articulate the mechanics of creationism. Anchor your conversations in the text, keeping in mind a few helpful tips:

1. It’s always a good starting point to share your first impression of reading this passage. You could say something along the lines of “I remember when I first read this passage, I couldn’t believe how Jesus touches the leper. That’s gross isn’t it?”

2. Avoid open-ended questions. This might sound counter-productive but in our experience, it is simply expecting too much for someone who most likely is reading the Bible for the first time. “What do you think about this…” often leads nowhere because most people genuinely don’t know what to think about biblical issues. Remember not to default to a Bible study!

3. Try to be introspective. What we mean by that is allow yourself to be put under the spotlight. Don’t be too quick to focus on what the other person thinks or should think. Instead, challenge people’s thinking indirectly through our own convictions. For example, instead of asking “don’t you think you need forgiveness?”, say something like “there’s always this part of me that knows I’m not the person I can or ought to be. I know nobody’s perfect, but surely nobody can truly be content with imperfection, right?” This might be a grossly stated example but notice how in the first instance it is a me-vs-you situation and in the second instance it is an us-together sense.

Yield To Imperfect Interpretations

Lastly, there is no rule that dictates how every Bible reading should end. As we’ve said before, our aim is not getting right answers to every question but rather forming an impression upon people of the person of Jesus Christ. In many cases it is more beneficial to yield to imperfect interpretations. What we mean by yielding to imperfect interpretations is not expecting someone to understand and agree to everything on the first go. Try to curb the desire to correct people’s thinking all the time every time. Instead, trust that the Spirit of God is working as the Word of God is read. Obviously when asked a question we must give an honest answer. But know that truth takes time to hit home. Love requires room to grow. Faith is ultimately of the Spirit.

Be patient and PRAY.

Scary, daunting, challenging, tiring.

These are common words associated with evangelism. It seems nothing strikes fear in a Christian quite like the e-word. I’m here to suggest that evangelism is in fact, easy. This has been our experience on campus, both doing evangelism and training students to do evangelism. Oh, and it’s incredibly fun too.

Three things have shaped our evangelism over the years:

1. Read the Gospel stories

2. Recognise the key actors

3. Remember the main issue

Read the Gospel Stories

Without a doubt, the best evangelistic tool we’ve come across is the four gospel accounts themselves. It seems to me counter-productive to bypass the biblical gospels and turn to gospel outlines when attempting to share the gospel with others. Semantics aside, gospel outlines are a great training tool for Christians but often times are incredibly tricky as evangelistic tools. This is because it presents concepts which invite debate.

If, like me, you don’t feel quite the raconteur (or even know what that means), evangelism will simply lead to an argument at worst or at best a perhaps this is true for you, but not for me. Personally, I could never remember the six squares of Two Ways to Live, which I do think is a great tool btw.

What we are suggesting is simply invite someone to read the Bible with you. More specifically, to read Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. By doing this, 4 things will happen:

1. You avoid controversial issues or feeling like you need an answer to every possible question. Your conversation is naturally limited by the passage in front of you as opposed to an outline where you might have to defend your theory of the origin of the universe before you even get to Jesus. Who wants to do that?

2. You won’t risk offending people as you might if you were presenting an outline which by nature is cold logic. Instead of us vs. them, it’s us reading the Bible together.

3. You don’t have to worry about what to say since it’s God’s word that is doing the talking. No more awkward silences.

4. Jesus becomes the focus. This is the point of evangelism. The gospel is about a Him, not an it. It’s an account of His life, not merely a record of His teaching or principles to live by.

That said, what do you actually say after you’ve read a passage? That’s the next tip: Recognise the key actors. We'll look at that more next.

John 9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some said, “It is he.” Others said, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” 10 So they said to him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.14 Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15 So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

18 The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight19 and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. 21 But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” 22 (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28 And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

Jesus is a light to the blind

Why have no aliens ever visited our galaxy? Because according to reviews, there’s only 1 star. Jokes aside, the fact of the matter is that the Sun is at the centre of the galaxy. And life would not be possible without the Sun but at the same time, the Sun can just as easily wipe out everything you see. It gives light so we can see, but the same light can blind you.

That is exactly the picture of Jesus here in our passage.

There’s two things the passage wants us to look at. First is the blind man, and second is the religious leaders.

The Light That Heals

Look at verse 9.

9 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.

What do you guys think of when you hear of a baby born with a severe congenital defect? We all want to ask why and perhaps question why, God? If there’s someone to blame, surely, it’s not the baby because babies are innocent right. Where did we get that idea? How did we arrive at the conclusion that it’s not your fault if you were born a certain way?

Because this has not been the case throughout history. Not in Asian cultures – I know. Not back in the ancient near east because look at the disciples’ question. Who sinned? Straightaway their assumption was either this man did something deserving of this punishment or his parents did. No culture that I know of ever came up with the idea that babies with birth defects are innocent. Until Jesus and the Bible.

And what you’ll find when you come to Jesus with that question of suffering is there are no easy answers. Because the issue is complex. On one hand, suffering is real. We are not mystics who say it’s all just an illusion. The guy is blind. Cancer does suck. But on the other hand, suffering has more than a physiological component. There’s more going on than cell division and DNA error. Jesus tells us, that the works of God might be displayed.

We’re not talking about suffering today but if you want to know more you can always ask a question later. But look at how Jesus sees the blind man? He doesn’t immediately assume you must have done something wrong, maybe in your past life, or your parents or whatever. What does he see? Someone whom God is working in. Look at what Jesus says in verse 4.

4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

Just try and put yourself in this blind beggar’s shoes. There you are in your usual spot, bowl in hand and you hear a crowd coming and people start talking about you. Here we go again. Except this time someone doesn’t look at you as blind beggar. Jesus doesn’t define you by what you lack or how flawed and broken you are. He sees a work of God.

And remember if you’re the blind beggar, you have no idea what Jesus is doing for you. When he spat on the ground, you had no idea. When he made the mud, you had no idea. When he anointed your eyes, you didn’t even know what it was for. Notice Jesus didn’t tell the beggar now I know this is a bit gross, but it’s so you can be cured. He didn’t say anything except go and wash. So he went and washed and came back seeing. It’s literally blind obedience.

And it doesn’t stop there. Because this thing has gone viral. You’re being interviewed and interrogated. Brought before the courts to testify in a criminal case, got kicked out because they didn’t believe you. Then brought back in again and then got cast out again. All of that happens in between verse 7 and verse 35. Until verse 35.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

It’s easy for us to read this and not notice that this blind guy has undergone a massive transformation. His entire identity has been changed. He’s a changed man. And I’m not talking about going from being blind to seeing. Or even being a beggar to semi-celebrity status. It’s going from believing that there is only one God who made the world, to believing in a man and worshipping a man as God.

And that’s who Jesus is. To the blind, he is a light. This is what Christianity is about. It’s not a lifestyle choice. Nobody here is blind, but even if you are, Jesus doesn’t offer to heal your eyes. The message of the Bible is do you believe in the Son of Man? Do you believe in Jesus Christ and so worship Him?

The Light That Blinds

But secondly, to the religious leaders, Jesus is a light that blinds. Look at verse 39.

39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.

One of the crimes that the religious leaders charged Jesus with was breaking the Sabbath. Why? Because Jesus made mud with dirt. Which was technically kneading and not allowed. They’ve focussed in on the one thing that doesn’t fit their worldview as an excuse to completely disregard and discredit Jesus.

Ok be honest, what was your reaction to what Jesus did – spitting on the ground, taking the mud and smearing it on the blind guy? No matter how you look at it, it’s off-putting. It’s even perhaps gross. It’s offensive right? If the blind man could see, I actually wonder if he will recoil and pull back from Jesus. Can you still heal me but maybe just leave out your saliva?

You hear people say, I’m a Christian but I really cannot stand what Jesus says about sex and homosexuality. What’s wrong with us having sex before marriage? I’m a Christian but I don’t go to church because I can’t stand their view towards women. Why can’t women be pastors in some churches?

What are we doing when do that? We’re just like the Pharisees! We let the one thing that is offensive to our worldview blind us to what Jesus is offering. We’ve let ourselves be blinded to the bigger picture of who Jesus is. And this is the surprise in this passage. Jesus doesn’t just open the eyes of the blind, he blinds those who can see but refuse to believe. On one hand, this is an open invitation for anyone to come and be restored in a way that’s completely life changing. But on the other hand, this is a warning to those who claim to see. Jesus says, for judgment I came so that those who see may become blind.

As we close, ask yourself this: how much are you willing to put up with in order to believe in Jesus and worship Him? Will you give up your convictions about your own sexuality? Will you change your stance on abortion or marriage? Will you prioritize your church over your career? Will you let Jesus anoint your eyes with mud?

CS Lewis who is perhaps the greatest Christian author writes this: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else.

John 8:31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”

The Truth Will Set You Free

There’s two things that make up our passage today.

1. We can’t help but sin.

2. Only the truth can set us free.

Let’s look at it together. Firstly, we can’t help but sin. Have a look at verse 34.

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t say everyone who sins. He says everyone who practices sin. Which tells us that sin is not just doing bad things. That’s what people love to think. Because if sin is just doing bad stuff like murder or rape, then those of us who haven’t done stuff like that can breathe a little easier right? Sure, we’re not perfect, but would you put yourself in the same category as paedophiles or gang rapists?

So what IS sin? Jesus tells us in verse 37.

37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. Jesus describes “my word finds no place in you…”

Imagine growing up with parents who told you, you have to eat your vegetables. You must listen and do what I tell you to. I don’t care who had it first, share with your brother. You’re not allowed to watch tv. No you can’t have any ice cream. Why? Because it’s 7 in the morning. Argh all these rules!

Now lets say for example you have a twin brother who despite the best efforts, continued to rebel. By the time you reach adulthood, who do you think is better equipped to have normal relationships or to have a proper job? It’s whoever listened and took their parent’s words to heart.

Sin is not doing bad things. It is a heart that has no room for a loving parent to speak into. Jesus says, I know you’re Abraham’s descendants. I know you go to church. I know you grew up in Sunday school. I know you think you’ve read the Bible and know all there is to know. But my word has no place in you. That’s what sin is. It’s in the heart.

You might say, ok so it’s just about following the rules. We must listen. Is that what you think?

Back to the twins. Let’s say you both are obedient children. You listened and followed the rules. And because of your hard work and a good upbringing, you both turn out to be successful individuals. But only one of you still talks to mom and dad. Your twin for some reason is happy just to live his own life. He comes and visits twice a year: at Easter and Christmas. But otherwise he’s just doing his own thing. It’s not like he hates the family. He’s just busy. If it works for you that’s cool, but it’s not for me.

You guys know it is more than just following rules. You can do everything that’s expected of you, but in your heart have no room for God. That’s the essence of sin.

But more, Jesus says everyone who practices sin. Anyone here play a musical instrument? I’ve always remembered hearing Tommy Emmanuel talk about practice. He plays the guitar and he says you want to keep doing it until you can sit in front of the TV and play without even thinking about it. It just comes naturally to you. When you can do that, you are well-practiced. I think that’s what Jesus means.

Everyone who practices sin is talking about the person for whom ignoring God is easy. It comes naturally. Do you find you can wake up in the morning, brush your teeth, get on with your day, and not even think about God? Do you find watching tv easier than reading your Bible? Why is that? It’s because we can’t help but sin. We’ve been practicing it since we were babies. We are slaves to sin.

So that’s the first thing – we can’t help but sin.

But secondly, only the truth can set us free. Look at the beginning verse with me.

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Isn’t that surprising? Jesus is talking to people who had believed him. It’s not like he’s telling people who don’t believe, believe and you’ll be free. No. He’s saying to people who do believe that they still need to be set free.

How does that work? Well, because freedom is not the ability to do whatever I want. That’s what most people think right? Freedom is the ability to decide the course of one’s life. And people have gone to war over this, how important we think freedom is. The only problem is that it’s not true.

The easiest example is having the doctor say to you look you need to stop eating maccas. The truth is that all those quarter pounders are killing you. You have 2 choices right, take the truth to heart, limit your maccas intake and enjoy a healthier and longer life; or ignore the truth and continue to freely consume maccas. Whatever choice we make involves limiting ourselves in some way in order to be freed up in another.

I’ll give you another example. Most of you guys are single. I remember what it’s like to be single. You can do whatever you want whenever you want. You can watch whatever you want on tv. If you want to watch all 6 Star Wars movies you can. You know what I’ll have to do if I want to watch Star Wars? I have to watch Miss Congeniality first.

I don’t have the freedom to watch whatever I want whenever I want. I don’t have the freedom to decide anything and everything. Why? Because I’m in a relationship. But is it killing me? No. I choose to restrict and limit myself in order to find a deeper and richer freedom that comes from a relationship. And it’s why when the time comes, I know all of you will gladly choose to give up your freedom for him or her.

Jesus says the truth will set you free. What truth? He tells us in verse 35.

35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

What is truth? Is it some abstract principle to live by or collection of moral teaching to follow? Is it relative? What’s true for you may not be true for them. You have to find it yourself? Is that it?

Jesus says the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. What does this mean? We must understand this because this is what makes Christianity utterly unique. It means that truth is a person. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Every founder of every religion points to something as the truth. Mohammad points his disciples to seek truth in the Quran. Buddha points his disciples to seek truth in the universe. Jesus comes along and points us to himself. Christianity in this regard is fundamentally different. No other religious founder has ever made claims that come even close to Jesus.

And Jesus says if you abide in my word, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. In other words, if you come to Jesus seeking the truth, you will know Him, and He will set you free.

How do I know that? Because Jesus gave up his freedom for you. And it’s not just freedom to watch movies. He gave up the freedom to live. And he did it willingly and joyfully for us. The truth that the Bible talks about is not some abstract principle. It’s a person. And because of his great love for us, he gave up his freedom to the point of dying on the cross. He will set you free.

Free from insecurity. Are there times where you wonder does anyone love me? Does anyone even care about me? Look at the cross and ask yourself how much Jesus loves you.

Free from guilt. Have you ever wondered can God really forgive me? I’ve done some stupid stuff. Look at the cross and ask yourself is Jesus not good enough a sacrifice to pay for whatever little thing you did.

Free from self-doubt. Do you ever look at others and wonder why you aren’t as successful? Do you ever ask yourself will my life ever amount to anything? What’s my purpose in life? Look at the cross and ask yourself is there something else more valuable more worthy more significant for you to give your life to?

Jesus says, if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Look at the cross, see Jesus the Son of God who had absolute freedom, give it all up for us. When you see that, you will be free.

What’s it about:

Talks about the why and how of talking about Jesus.

Why? Because Jesus is glorious; the New Creation is guaranteed; and Hell is grim

How? Remember Jesus’ identity; His mission; His call

Great takeaways:

A very helpful insight to be found in this book is that the reason we don't talk about Jesus much with others is not because we don't love people enough. It's that we love ourselves too much. Much of what we fear in evangelism stems from our self-love. We simply love ourselves too much to put ourselves at risk of rejection, ridicule, or persecution. Unless we tackle this idol of self-love, our evangelistic efforts will always be hampered.

John 7:14 About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marvelled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Here's the question: how do I know if what Jesus says is true?

We pick up where we left off from last week with Jesus teaching in the temple. Verse 14 tells us that the Jews marveled because Jesus didn’t have a Uni degree, definitely not one from ECU, come on. So how does he expect us to believe him? Where did you get your teaching from?

Our passage tells us,

Jesus tells the truth because He loves God

Have a look at verse 16.

16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.

First of all, my teaching is true because it’s not from me, or from some university somewhere. It’s from God. My teaching is not mine but His who sent me.

But is that good enough though? Like, just because you say you received it from God doesn’t help me believe you. Mohammed claimed to receive his teaching from Allah. Joseph Smith claimed to receive his teaching from angels which started the Mormon church. So what makes Jesus special?

Look at verse 17-18.

17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

What is Jesus saying? In essence, Jesus is saying God will show you whether I’m telling the truth or not. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God. In other words, if you really wanna know, God will show it to you. Then you will know. Jesus doesn’t turn to something else to authenticate his message. He doesn’t need to because he says God will do it.

And if you think about it, this makes logical sense. Because if Jesus were to turn to something to prove his message, then that something logically is more true than the message. You are trusting in that thing more than you trust in Jesus.

Suppose I bring to my wife a written statement from a friend claiming that I loved my wife. Not very romantic is it? But suppose my wife, who previously doubted my love for her, on the basis of this letter trusts that I do in fact love her, what would that imply? Same with the Bible. Same with Jesus. We can’t turn to something else as the basis for believing.

If you really want to know, Jesus says, God will show it to you.

You see, the Jews question Jesus, but they don’t actually care about the truth at all. How do I know that? Because Jesus calls them out.

Look at verse 19-24.

19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why do you seek to kill me?” 20 The crowd answered, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel at it. 22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well? 24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

The point here is quite easy to follow. A few months before this, Jesus healed a man who was paralysed from the neck down. Healed him completely. Problem was, Jesus did it on a Saturday, which is the Sabbath and according to Jewish Law, you’re not allowed to work on the Sabbath. In the eyes of the Jews, Jesus is a law breaker. You can read all about it in chapter 5.

Now then, verse 22, Moses gave you circumcision. Which is another Jewish law that says all boys must be circumcised 8 days after birth. Which is not a problem unless you were born on a Friday, then bad luck because 8 days after your birthday is the Sabbath and you’re not allowed to work. But you have to be circumcised. You see the problem?

So obviously, they made an exception. If you see a house on fire on the Sabbath or someone drowning, you’ll go help them too. The commandment to save life necessarily overrides the commandment to keep the Sabbath. You won’t be breaking the Sabbath if you do it. It’s common sense right? But when Jesus heals a paralysed man on the Sabbath, they say he broke the law. How can circumcision which affects just one part of the body be more significant than that which heals the whole body? That’s why Jesus says in verse 23:

23 If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me because on the Sabbath I made a man's whole body well?

The Jews obey the law when it’s convenient. They don’t love God at all. Their obedience to God’s law comes from their love for themselves. Jesus proves it by their hypocrisy. Verse 18,

18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; God is just a means for them to glorify themselves. And everyone does it. Both religious people and non-religious people. People who believe in God and people who don’t believe.

Religious people, like the Jews here, keep the law because of the status it gives them in society. Today, there are people who recognise that life is more than just the physical realm. And so they turn to religion to quench that thirst in their souls.

Non-religious people, people who don’t believe in God, actually do the same thing. They might look at religious people and say hey man if it works for you that’s cool, but it’s not for me. I’m not religious at all. But then why do so many non-religious people look to things like work, family, love, relationships, to bring meaning and purpose to their life? We turn to those things to quiet down that same longing we have. We just don’t call it God.

Religious people believe in God to make themselves feel safe or to ascribe meaning to their life. Non-religious people don’t believe in God but end up doing the same thing.

Whichever end of the spectrum you’re on, all of us are the same. We can claim to be Christians, but we can still just be using God for ourselves. God is just a means to an end.

I’ll give you an example. I’ve heard lots of people say something like this: I went to church, read my bible, did all that, but my family still broke up, or I still failed uni or whatever. But if we are to be brutally honest with ourselves, this thing that has the power to shake my belief in God, is actually my God.

We don’t realise that we’re just like the Jews in this passage. All of us. God is a means to an end. The Jews obeyed the law when it’s convenient. We believe in God when life is good but do we actually trust Him? So let me ask you a question. Why are you here? I know why you’re at ECU, to get a degree. But why are you here in this room? If you call yourself a Christian, why?

Jesus says: 18 The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory;

Let me ask you an even harder question: If in the end you get nothing out of it and God sends you to hell because you deserve it, will you still be a Christian? Or are you a Christian just to get to heaven?

It’s so hard to answer those questions isn’t it? Why is it so difficult? Because we have a vested interest. There will always be a part of us that is in it for ourselves. That’s the reality of it. Which means you really can’t trust anybody. If you’re smart, you won’t even trust yourself. Because no matter what we do, there’s always some part of us that is self-promoting, self-preserving, self-loving. If we are to judge whether Jesus is telling the truth, we can’t look to ourselves. We can’t depend on our own reasoning or evidence.

You know the Bible tells us that our ancestors were with God in the garden of Eden. God gave them everything. Obey me and you will live. And we couldn’t even do that. We chose to seek our own glory, forge our own destiny.

Fast forward a few hundred years to another garden. The garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was with God and God said obey me and not you will live, but obey me and you will be crushed. Obey me and be eternally condemned and separated from all that is good. Obey me and you will die. What does Jesus say? Not my will but your will be done. Jesus obeyed and was hung on a tree and crushed.

Does Jesus tell the truth? Can I trust Jesus? You won’t find the answer in any book or lecture or whatever. Jesus says, 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.

Only by looking at Jesus do we know that he tells the truth, because He loves God.

John 7:1-18

7 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him. 6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After saying this, he remained in Galilee.

What would Jesus do?

You guys heard of the saying WWJD? Nobody says it nowadays but back in the 90s it was the in thing. There were bracelets with WWJD on it. Car decals on WWJD. What would Jesus do. It’s actually quite clever for when you don’t know what to do. Ask yourself what would Jesus do?

But nobody does that anymore. Instead, you know what we do now? It’s not WWJD. It’s WSJD. What should Jesus do? So many times I find myself not asking what would Jesus do, but actually thinking what should Jesus do.

I’ll give you an example: when I pray for ECU, it’s so hard not to say to Jesus, Jesus why don’t you show yourself to more people here? If you really blessed this ministry, more people will hear about you and more people will become Christians. That’s good right? Jesus, you should do that.

Or when I pray for myself: Jesus, why don’t you give me X? Don’t you know I actually really need X? Jesus, you should do that.

See what I mean?

Instead of what would Jesus do, it’s what should Jesus do. And who knows best? Me. We all do this. How do I know? Because even Jesus’ own brothers do the same thing.

Have a look at verse 1-5

After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him.

What were the brothers saying? You know Jesus, if you really want to save the world, you should go to Judea. If you do your miracles there in Judea, this thing will grow. Don’t stay in Galilee. Galilee is like ECU. We should go to UWA. Jesus if you just appear today people will believe in you. Jesus if you just did some miracle here at ECU, next week this room will be packed. Let me tell you what you should do Jesus.

See?

But Jesus doesn’t do what they tell him to. Why? Because Jesus knows what we are like. The point of this passage today is this:

The world hates Jesus because He exposes our hearts

Have a look at verses 6-7.

6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.

Imagine this right, if Jesus appeared today and did miracles here at ECU, do you think people will believe and become Christians? If you think they will, then you don’t understand Jesus and you don’t really believe what Jesus says about people. Because Jesus says that people hate him for what he did.

Just picture Jesus today. How will people describe him?

He has never told a single lie. You know how difficult it is to be around someone who is really really that good?

Jesus never compromises or allows injustice to go by unnoticed. You know how politically incorrect that is?

Jesus says that if anyone doesn’t worship Him, they are going to hell. You know how intolerant that is? That’s something ISIS will say.

If Jesus were here, we would hate him because Jesus exposes our hearts. And we are all the same. We don’t like it when someone tells us we’ve done wrong. Right? When I’m at home, lets say something should have been done a certain way and I didn’t. And I get called out on it. I know I should be angry at myself, but 9 out of 10 times, I’m angry at the person who called me out. Even though they have every right and they are in the right. I still don’t like it. If I say I’ll mow the lawn this week, I’ll mow the lawn ok. You don’t have to nag at me every 6 months. I’ll do it.

I get angry at other people even though I’m in the wrong. Why? Because I’m a human being and I love myself. Jesus knows this and that’s why he says the world hates him because we love ourselves. We can’t handle him.

It’s so difficult for us to admit just how much we love ourselves. When an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus arises and we neglect it for fear of rejection, it's not because we are afraid (though we are), but because we love too much. What drives that fear is actually love for ourselves. I love myself more than I love (person who doesn't know Jesus) and here’s the worst part, more than Jesus. So many times when I was faced with a choice of sharing the gospel, putting myself at risk of rejection, versus keeping quiet and not rocking the boat, I chose me. The truth was I loved myself more than Jesus.

Maybe you have been in a similar situation, what would it take for you to speak openly about Jesus? You have a lecture after this. What would it take for you to speak with just 1 person about Jesus? Is it more courage? Is it more determination? No. what we need is for our hearts to change. We must love Jesus and others more than we love ourselves.

That is what Jesus came to do. This is the work that he was concerned about. His brothers think its about doing miracles. People think its about curing cancer or making us successful. But Jesus is concerned about just one thing – our hearts. The world hates Jesus because he exposes our hearts. And what the scan shows is that we have a very very broken heart. That’s why Jesus doesn’t listen to his brothers. Look at verse 6.

6 Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come…

What time? Time for what? Don’t you know there are kids dying of brain cancer down at Subiaco? Don’t you know I only have $25 in my bank account and rent is due this week? Jesus I think it’s time for you to act.

No. Jesus is talking about the time when he will face the choice between being treated unfairly, charged with a crime he didn’t commit, and be sentenced to death. The choice between that and just saying the word and God will rescue him. Why do you think Jesus never once defended himself?

Why? Because He loves us more than he loves himself. Why didn’t Jesus defend himself? Because to do that would be to love himself more than us. And so Jesus went to the cross and died.

The world hates Jesus because He exposes our hearts.

Jesus loves us even though it cost him his life.